Islamabad authorities partially seal KP House over ‘lease expiry, by-law violations’

Several blocks of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) House in Islamabad were sealed by authorities due to the “expiration of lease” and violation of building by-laws, according to officials.

The development follows Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur’s confirmation during a KP Assembly session a day earlier that he had been at KP House after mysteriously "disappearing" for over 24 hours.

"I was at the KP House the entire night, and the Islamabad police conducted four raids but failed to locate me," said Gandapur.

KP House is one among other provincial rest houses in the capital - such as Sindh House, Punjab House, and Gilgit Baltistan House - that are used by provincial officials when visiting Islamabad.

On Monday, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) carried out the operation, sealing blocks A and B, which serve administrative purposes. However, Block C, where families reside, remains unaffected by the closures.

CDA official sealing a block of KP House in Islamabad on October 7, 2024.Nukta

Special Magistrate Sardar Muhammad Asif led the sealing of the premises, stating that the action was necessary due to non-compliance with regulations. The rooms designated for guests in KP House were also sealed, preventing any further bookings or accommodations.

CDA officials claimed that the closure followed a comprehensive review of KP House’s lease and structural compliance. The lease had reportedly expired months earlier, but continued occupancy without renewal led to the intervention. Additionally, the buildings were found in violation of Islamabad's building by-laws.

“KP House was operating without proper permits, and this is a clear breach of our regulations,” said a CDA spokesperson. The authority has warned that further legal actions may be taken if the violations are not addressed.

Capital returns to ‘normalcy’

The sealing of KP House occurred in the aftermath of protests by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which had caused widespread disruption in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Though the protests have subsided, Islamabad remains on high alert ahead of the upcoming SCO summit.

Policemen fire tear gas shells towards supporters and activists of former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, during a protest in Islamabad on October 4, 2024. AFP

Traffic in the capital has returned to normal, and internet and mobile network services have been fully restored. However, tensions remain high following violent clashes between PTI activists and police, which resulted in the destruction of public property.

Inspector General of Police Syed Ali Nasir Rizvi reported that 441 Safe City Authority cameras were damaged during the protests, alongside 10 vehicles. One police officer, Constable Abdul Hameed Shah, succumbed to injuries sustained during the unrest, while 31 others were injured, he added.

PTI leaders face charges

Several senior PTI leaders, including party founder Imran Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, face legal action following the protests. Charges include vandalism, blocking major roads, and allegedly using government resources to mobilize support.

In total, 10 cases have been registered against PTI leaders, accusing them of attempted murder, terrorism, and inciting violence.

Thousands of unidentified protesters were also included in the police reports, with arrests made during the unrest. Some PTI leaders, such as PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, have been granted bail until mid-October.

Imran's sisters remanded

Meanwhile, an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad heard bail applications for Aleema Khan and Uzma Khan, sisters of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, who were arrested during the recent protests.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

During the hearing, Aleema Khan stated that they had been held in police custody for over 10 hours before being transferred to the police lines.

She highlighted the arrest of two elderly women, both aged 80, who fell ill during the night while in detention.

However, the court handed over both Imran'ssisters to police custody and approved their one-day physical remand.

Damage toll

According to Islamabad police, the damage caused by the protests has been substantial. Authorities estimate that over Rs154 million in public property was damaged, and 878 individuals, including 120 Afghan nationals, were arrested. Legal cases continue to pile up as investigations into the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government unfold.

A committee formed by the Interior Ministry, led by Additional Secretary Riffat Mukhtar, will investigate the KP government's alleged misuse of resources during the protests. Reports suggest government vehicles and employees were used to support the PTI’s efforts, raising questions of accountability.