Alleged violations of law, civic codes and master plan in
Diplomatic Enclave, considered to be the most sensitive and safe area of
Islamabad, have raised several important questions. Citizens and social
circles have now started openly raising questions regarding illegal
constructions, sheds set up for car parking, poor sanitation, alleged
suspicious leasing, and certain business activities, while the concerned body
Capital Development Authority (CDA) still appears to be a silent spectator.
According to sources, not only unauthorized construction
activities continued in high-security zones like Diplomatic Enclave, but
permanent sheds were also set up in the name of parking at various locations,
about which questions are being raised as to whether they have formal approval
or not. Citizens say that if there are violations of building codes even in the
most sensitive area of the federal capital, then how can law enforcement be
ensured in common areas?
The situation of cleanliness and waste management in the
Diplomatic Enclave has also become a question mark. Garbage, poor sanitation,
drainage problems and piles of dirt are being seen at various places. Citizens
say that this area is considered the international face of Pakistan where
foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations come and
go, but the current state of cleanliness here shows administrative failure.
According to critics, the responsibility of the CDA is not only to make
development plans but also to implement them and improve the urban environment.
Meanwhile, some restaurants and business activities
established in the Diplomatic Enclave have also become a subject of discussion.
According to sources, various questions are being raised regarding the “suki sushi”
restaurant and the alleged liquor business there. Some circles think that all
the legal requirements were fulfilled for such activities in the sensitive
diplomatic area? Was formal permission taken from the relevant institutions?
And if permission was granted, under what conditions? No clear explanation has
been given by the relevant authorities on these questions yet.
Similarly, the leasing issues of “Bonte Cafe” and “Costa
Cafe” have also sparked a new debate. Sources and civic circles are raising
questions as to on what basis and to which individuals or companies these cafes
were leased? Moreover, was this land owned by Islamabad Police or managed by
some other institution? If it was police land, which authority approved its
commercial use? Were all legal requirements and transparent procedures adopted
or not? These are the questions the public now wants to know the answers to.
Civic and legal circles say that there are strict rules and
regulations for any kind of construction, business or commercial activity in a
sensitive location like the Diplomatic Enclave. Security clearance, approval
from CDA and permission from other relevant institutions are mandatory here.
Despite this, if illegal constructions, suspicious leasing or activities
contrary to regulations continue, it is not only administrative negligence but
also a question mark on the state writ.
According to critics, the most worrying aspect is the
silence of the relevant institutions. Despite numerous complaints, public
concerns and questions, neither a comprehensive investigation has been carried
out by the CDA or other relevant institutions nor has the public been taken
into confidence. This silence has further increased suspicions and doubts.
Civic circles and civil society have demanded that all matters including illegal constructions, parking sheds, cleanliness issues, leasing of restaurants and cafes in the Diplomatic Enclave be investigated transparently and impartially. They say that if negligence or interference of any officer, institution or influential person is proven, action should be taken against him according to law so that the rule of law and the reputation of institutions can be restored in the federal capital.
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