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Islamabad Administration Denies Sealing Edhi Centre, Blames “Misinformation”
Islamabad admin denies sealing Edhi Aabpara control room, calls reports “misleading” as Edhi suspends emergency services over closure dispute.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-28
Islamabad Administration Denies Sealing Edhi Centre, Blames “Misinformation”

The Islamabad district administration on Saturday denied claims that it had sealed the Edhi Centre in Aabpara, following reports by the welfare organisation that its ambulance control room had been shut down, disrupting emergency services.

In an official response, the administration clarified that no Edhi office had been sealed “at any point,” terming circulating reports as “baseless and misleading.” The clarification came after the Edhi Foundation announced the closure of its decades-old control room, stating it had been forced to suspend emergency services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

The Edhi Centre, which has been operating in Aabpara for nearly 40 years, serves as a key hub for ambulance coordination in the twin cities. In its statement, the organisation said the closure had left it unable to continue rescue operations until an alternative location was provided.

The foundation further claimed it had not received any formal notice or explanation from the district commissioner’s office regarding the alleged closure. It also maintained that rent for the premises had been paid in advance, including for the next 11 months, and appealed to authorities for immediate intervention.

Responding to the situation, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon stated via social media that the administration had taken notice of what he described as false information being spread online.

“These claims are completely baseless and misleading. No Edhi office has been sealed at any point,” he asserted, urging the public to rely on verified government sources and warning against the spread of misinformation.

He added that temporary closures of certain areas, including shops and offices, were part of routine security arrangements during processions aimed at maintaining law and order. However, he did not specify which event necessitated these measures.

In a separate statement, the district administration clarified that only a control room of the Edhi service existed at the Aabpara site, which was built on land owned by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Officials stated that a 10-year agreement had been signed with the Edhi Foundation in 2000, and that multiple notices had been issued after the agreement expired, requesting the organisation to vacate the premises.

According to the administration, an alternative site had already been offered to the Edhi Foundation in the H-8 sector. Authorities claimed that the organisation had requested additional time before Ramazan and had assured officials that the control room would be shifted after Eid.

Despite the dispute, the administration emphasized that no enforcement action had yet been taken to evict the facility and that it had only learned about the reported closure through media coverage.

The situation highlights a growing disconnect between authorities and one of Pakistan’s most vital humanitarian services, raising concerns over the continuity of emergency response operations in the capital.
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Pakistan

Islamabad

EmergencyServices

Edhi
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