CDA seals Centaurus Mall over violation of building regulations
The Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) Building Control Department (BCD) has sealed Islamabad’s shopping center, Centaurus Mall, over the violation of building regulations in an overnight raid.
The CDA officials and local police raided the Centaurus Mall and expelled the administrative staff as well as guards, after which the building was sealed.
In the videos circulating on social media, it can be seen that barbed wire has been installed around the mall.
However, a notice pasted outside the mall reads: “The premises have been sealed on account of non-conforming use by order of director building control-city, CDA (Capital Development Authority).”
All Pakistan Anjuman-i-Tajiran (APAT) President Ajmal Baloch termed the sealing of the mall “in the darkness of night an act of revenge”.
He said that those who advised sealing the mall have damaged the reputation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Livelihoods of several traders are associated with Centaurus Mall and its closure will deprive several employees of jobs,” he added.
Ajmal Baloch furthered that the business community of Islamabad stands with the businessmen of Centaurus Mall.
On the other hand, PTI chairman Imran Khan claimed that PDM mafia has sealed the mall in response to PM Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Sardar Tanveer Ilyas censured PM Shehbaz Sharif for not mentioning the sacrifices of Kashmiris in the inauguration ceremony of Mangla Dam Hydroelectric power plant.
He wrote: “Sealing of Centaurus Mall by PDM mafia in response to PM AJK censuring Shebaz Sharif for not mentioning sacrifices of Kashmiris shows there is law of the jungle in Pak since last 8 months. Sends negative signals to Kashmiris too.”
“Question for our honourable judges: Are they not upholders of the law?” Khan asked.
Earlier in October, the mall had caught fire for unknown reasons but a spokesperson for the AJK PM blamed the federal government for the fire in Centaurus Shopping Mall, which is owned by AJK PM Sardar Tanveer Ilyas.
