The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has told the Islamabad High Court (IHC) that the building known as Bari Imam House is an unauthorized occupation of land acquired by the authority in 1963.

In its written response submitted through lawyer Kashif Ali Malik, the CDA said the disputed building has no legal connection with the shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam and does not appear in its official land acquisition or revenue records.

The authority maintained that the petitioner has no legal ownership, title or permission to occupy the property.

CDA Says Land Was Acquired in 1963

According to the CDA, the disputed property comprises Khasra Nos. 435, 582, 591, 592 and 593 in Mauza Noorpur Shahan.

The authority said the land was acquired under Award No. 4/DC CDA/1963, and compensation and other admissible benefits were paid to the original landowners.

It added that its acquisition records contain no reference to any building or establishment named Bari Imam House. The CDA therefore considers its occupation an encroachment on acquired land.

CDA Says Building Has No Link to Bari Imam Shrine

The authority said the actual shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam is located on separate land comprising Khasra Nos. 277, 665, 677, 678, 679 and 680.

According to the CDA, this land is registered in the name of Darbar Aalia Hazrat Bari Abdul Latif Shah (R.A.) and is located across the road from the disputed building.

The authority argued that the shrine and Bari Imam House are separate properties and that their association does not establish any ownership rights over the disputed premises.

CDA Challenges Petition in High Court

The CDA has also questioned the legal standing of the petitioner and challenged the maintainability of the constitutional petition.

The response comes after an IHC order dated November 3, 2026, directing authorities to remove the seals from the building and restraining its demolition until the next hearing.

The CDA has requested an early hearing, preferably during the week starting November 9, instead of the previously scheduled date of January 18, 2027.