Violence erupted in Islamabad on Tuesday as an anti-encroachment operation by the Capital Development Authority faced strong opposition from residents in the Noorpur Shahan area near the Bari Imam Shrine. The confrontation began when demolition teams arrived at Noori Bagh Mohallah to dismantle structures deemed illegal by authorities.
During the clashes, at least eight officers and numerous villagers sustained injuries, while two official vehicles were set ablaze. As demolition commenced, hundreds of residents, including women and children, gathered to resist the operation by throwing stones, forcing officials to temporarily retreat.
Subsequently, police reinforcements, including anti-riot squads, were deployed, enabling the demolition to continue. Tensions escalated rapidly as villagers persisted in their resistance, leading to direct confrontations with law enforcement. Police responded with teargas and baton charges to disperse the crowd, amid reports of gunfire that intensified the volatile situation. Both sides accused each other of using weapons.
Officials stated that protesters became increasingly violent, throwing stones and setting two government vehicles on fire. In retaliation, police launched heavy teargas attacks to push back the crowd, causing many residents, especially women and children, to retreat indoors.
Villagers, speaking anonymously, claimed police used pellet guns during the operation, alleging around 50 residents were wounded, though authorities have not confirmed this. By late evening, the demolition drive continued, with Noori Bagh Mohallah reportedly razed as part of a larger campaign that has removed thousands of structures in Noorpur Shahan over recent months.
Meanwhile, police conducted search operations in nearby areas, detaining dozens of individuals. Security measures were significantly increased, with approximately 1,000 personnel deployed and major access routes sealed off. Entry points from Margalla Road, Third Avenue, and the Diplomatic Enclave were closed, leaving only limited access via Shahdara.
The situation remained tense as authorities worked to restore order and prevent further violence amid the ongoing demolition and security lockdown.
