ITP headquarters operating on 'disputed' land

ISLAMABAD:

The headquarters of Islamabad Traffic Police is allegedly operating on Capital Development Authority (CDA) land without fulfilling the required legal and administrative conditions.

According to sources, the traffic police have been using the valuable government land on Murree Road near Faizabad for several years without paying rent to the CDA.

The issue comes amid ongoing operations against illegal occupation of government land in the federal capital on the directives of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has stated that no concessions will be granted in cases involving encroachments.

Sources said the traffic police headquarters was initially provided temporary space. The site also includes a green belt area.

Islamabad Police did not immediately issue an official response. Attempts to obtain comments from the Inspector General of Police were unsuccessful.

However, the CDA clarified its position, stating that permission for the use of the 4.20-acre Murree Road site was withdrawn in 2008. According to the authority, Islamabad Traffic Police was allotted an alternative 4.20-acre plot in Sector H-11/2 in 2016 to relocate its offices.

The CDA said the allotment was subject to the condition that the Murree Road site would be vacated immediately. Despite the allocation of alternative land, the traffic police headquarters continues to function from the original location.

The authority further stated that if retention of the Murree Road site is intended, a formal land-use change and approval from the federal cabinet division are required. Without such approval, the use of government land by any public institution cannot be considered legally valid.

According to the CDA, ICT Police also sought another alternative site near Faizabad in 2020, indicating continued issues regarding the future of the current location.

Sources said the matter was again referred to the federal cabinet for a decision, but no clear directive has yet been issued. Meanwhile, Islamabad Police remains active in operations against land grabbers in the federal capital.