CHITRAL: Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Lower Chitral, Wajihuddin, has strongly condemned the incident involving the house of former District Nazim Haji Maghfirat Shah, describing the entry into a citizen’s property in the name of an anti-encroachment drive, violation of the sanctity of the home, and demolition of its boundary wall without prior notice as highly regrettable, irresponsible and unacceptable.
He said that no one should be allowed to trample upon the law and fundamental human rights in the name of enforcing the law. The district administration is a public servant, not an absolute ruler, with the authority to enter anyone’s home at will and damage private property without fulfilling legal requirements.
“If any encroachment exists, legal action should be taken against it. However, humiliating a citizen and violating the sanctity of their home and privacy can never be justified,” he said.
Wajihuddin said the administration must understand that the exercise of authority is subject to the law, not above it. Before taking any action, it is the administration’s responsibility to serve notice on the concerned citizen, provide an opportunity to present their position, and follow the prescribed legal procedure.
He said that demolishing boundary walls without fulfilling these requirements not only causes severe distress and anxiety among the public but also raises serious questions about the exercise of administrative powers.
He further stated that Chitral is a peaceful society where people’s dignity, traditions, and the sanctity of their homes are held in high regard. Such actions by the administration could provoke public resentment, create unrest, and undermine public trust in state institutions, for which the relevant authorities would be held responsible.
He maintained that intimidating citizens and undermining their dignity in the name of removing encroachments was unbecoming of a civilised society and a responsible administration.
The Jamaat-e-Islami leader demanded that the incident be taken up immediately, a transparent investigation be conducted, action be taken against the officials responsible, and justice be provided to the affected citizen.
He made it clear that Jamaat-e-Islami would not compromise on the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, dignity, honour, and private property, and would continue to raise its voice against the misuse of administrative powers at every appropriate legal forum.
