Islamabad High Court orders immediate desealing of PTI Office

Islamabad, June 4, 2024 – The Islamabad High Court has directed the immediate desealing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) office in Islamabad. Justice Saman Rifat Imtiaz delivered the reserved decision, emphasizing procedural lapses by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

The Supreme Court’s judgment noted that the CDA had issued notices and show-cause notices to the previous owner of the property in 2022 and 2023. The CDA failed to clarify why these notices continued to be addressed to the former owner. Crucially, the court observed that there was no receipt of service of notice or show-cause recorded.

The court found that the CDA did not issue any notice to PTI before sealing its central secretariat. Furthermore, the CDA did not send a written order or copy of the sealing directive to PTI.

In its ruling, the Islamabad High Court mandated the immediate desealing of the PTI Secretariat, reinforcing the importance of due process. The Supreme Court also clarified that while the CDA retains the authority to enforce legal action for any violations, such actions must adhere to proper legal procedures.