The High Court of Islamabad (IHC) ordered the Federal Government to dissolve the Development Authority (CDA) capital and transfer all its powers and assets to the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). In a detailed verdict, judge Mohin Akhtar Kayani ruled that the CDA had no legal authority to impose taxes. The court also declared that any amount collected by the authority of individuals or institutions under the guise of "Right of way" or direct access costs must be reimbursed. The federal government was invited to initiate and finish the ADC dissolution process and transfer all its powers and assets to the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI). The judgment stressed that the rights of the citizens of Islamabad must be protected by law. The decision was published in response to a petition tabled by the Taj Residencia Housing Society and its residents. The court also declared SRO dated June 9, 2015 – concerning the accusations of the grip and access of the ADC – null and not avenue, as well as all the measures taken under it, qualifying them as illegal. All funds collected under this SRO must be returned. Judge Kayani noted that the ADC ordinance had been initially promulgated to establish the federal capital and supervise its development, but due to the evolution of governance structures and new laws, its practical relevance is completed. The original objectives of the ADC have been achieved, and the government should now formally dissolve authority. The court also ordered that after the transfer of powers, the Islamabad administration must operate in a transparent and responsible manner. The judgment has reaffirmed that the entire administrative, regulatory and municipal framework of Islamabad is governed by the law on local government, which requires that no tax can be imposed without the approval of the elected local government. Consequently, the ADC has no legal authority to collect taxes. It should be noted that the ADC had imposed access costs on petrol pumps and GNC stations, and direct access taxes on private housing companies to connect to the main roads. These accusations were disputed in the IHC, which led to this important decision. The rains cause a monsoon action on the other hand, the ADC has finalized a special action plan for the monsoon season and issued a notification describing the responsibilities of all the departments concerned to ensure effective implementation. On the instructions of the president of the ADC, the administration of the Mehmood Talat members was responsible for supervising the plan. According to the notification, special teams will be deployed following an investigation into illegal basements and low zones. Flood rescue camps and other security measures will be established to manage all emergency situations. A flood relief unit will remain operational from July 1 to September 30, led by the director of emergency management and disasters. A dedicated assistance line will also be set up and assistance will be available via rescue and firefighters. The relevant departments of departments will appoint focal people in the emergency camps. The sanitation service will operate under the authority of the emergency camps. A special operation will be launched against makeshift houses and illegal constructions.
IHC Orders Abolition of CDA
