A massive anti-encroachment drive is underway in Islamabad’s Saidpur Model Village after Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered authorities to clear illegal constructions that had crept into the area over the past two decades.
Officials confirmed that more than 200 unauthorized buildings have already been demolished, with 191 kanals of land reclaimed from land grabbers. The operation targets all structures erected illegally on roughly 360 kanals of land since 2005, many of which had been occupied without rent payments for years.
Minister takes direct charge
Naqvi personally visited the village on Wednesday to oversee the campaign and review ongoing beautification works. Speaking to Capital Development Authority (CDA) and District Municipal Administration (DMA) officials, he directed that no violator should be spared, regardless of influence or connections.
He also ordered that the reclaimed land be auctioned transparently, signaling the government’s intent to not only restore the village’s original character but also generate revenue through proper utilization.
A vision for a tourist hub
While backing the crackdown, Naqvi outlined broader plans for Saidpur. He announced that popular restaurant chains from Karachi and Lahore would be introduced to the village, aiming to transform it into a cultural and recreational hotspot.
“The revival of Saidpur will not only add to Islamabad’s beauty but also give citizens a modern leisure destination,” the minister said. He emphasized that cleanliness, restoration of green areas, and international-standard facilities are central to the village’s future.
Technology-driven monitoring
During the briefing, CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa revealed that satellite imagery is being used to track illegal constructions raised after 2005. He also noted that the “green core” of the historic village is being restored as part of the broader development plan.
Who was present
The visit was attended by senior CDA officials, the Additional Deputy Commissioner General, SSP Operations, and other district representatives. Their presence underlined the scale and seriousness of the operation, which is expected to continue in phases.