The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has stopped the Capital Development Authority (CDA) from taking further action affecting an ancestral graveyard in Sector D-12. The court also sought a written response from the civic body regarding a petition challenging the proposed removal of graves.
Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued the written order on Tuesday while hearing a petition filed by Waqar Ahmed. The petitioner requested legal protection for the Elahi Mosque graveyard in Mauza Sari Saral, Sector D-12, Islamabad.
According to the petition, the graveyard contains the remains of the petitioner’s ancestors and other local residents. He urged the court to prevent the CDA from carrying out development activities that could damage the burial ground.
The requested restrictions include road construction, land levelling, and other activities that might affect the existing graves. The petitioner argued that the site should remain protected until the matter is resolved.
The petition also presented evidence to establish the graveyard’s historical and existing status. Revenue records, survey reports, and Google Maps imagery reportedly identify the location as a graveyard and funeral ground.
The petitioner maintained that these records support his request to preserve the burial site. He asked the court to ensure that development activities do not lead to the removal or destruction of graves.
His counsel also requested protective measures to prevent encroachment and potential damage. These measures include installing fencing and clearly marking the boundaries of the burial ground.
The petition further asked for the graveyard to be secured before any development work begins in the surrounding area. The requested steps aim to protect the burial site from interference during future construction activities.
In its interim order, the Islamabad High Court directed that the existing status of the graveyard must be maintained. This means the site must remain in its current condition while the legal proceedings continue.
The court also directed the CDA to submit a written response to the petition. The authority will have to address the concerns raised regarding the proposed activities affecting the graveyard.
The interim order provides temporary protection for the burial ground while the court considers the matter. However, the order does not represent a final decision on the petition.
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The case concerns the protection of an ancestral burial site amid development activities in Islamabad’s Sector D-12. Further proceedings will determine how the petitioner’s requests are addressed and what measures may be required to preserve the graveyard
