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Islamabad High Court Stays Auction of 20 Public Sports Grounds by CDA
Islamabad High Court stays CDA’s move to auction 10 cricket & 10 football grounds. Court seeks response from CDA & MCI after citizen’s plea against privatizing public spaces.
ND
by News Desk
2025-07-16
Islamabad High Court Stays Auction of 20 Public Sports Grounds by CDA

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a stay order against the auction of 10 cricket and 10 football grounds in the federal capital, following a petition filed by a concerned citizen.

Justice Raja Inam Amin Minhas issued the stay order and sent notices to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), directing them to submit their responses.

The CDA had recently advertised the auction of 20 public playgrounds, setting a reserve price of Rs 5,050,000 per ground. The move sparked criticism among civil society and residents who viewed it as an attempt to privatize much-needed public sports spaces.

The petitioner argued that these grounds are public property meant for recreational and sporting activities for citizens, especially the youth. “The CDA has no authority to auction off public amenities that serve the collective welfare of Islamabad’s residents,” the petition stated.

The court acknowledged the petitioner's concerns and temporarily halted the process to ensure the matter is reviewed on merit. The next hearing will examine the legality of the CDA’s decision and the potential impact on public access to recreational facilities.

The issue has drawn attention from urban activists and youth organizations, who argue that reducing access to public sports facilities in a rapidly growing city like Islamabad is not only unjust but also detrimental to youth development and public health.

The case raises important questions about the management of public spaces, the role of local governance in urban planning, and the rights of citizens to access recreation and sports infrastructure.

As the legal process unfolds, the stay order has brought temporary relief to those opposing the auction, but the larger debate over public space privatization is likely to intensify.

 

 
Tagged:

CDA

IHC

SavePublicSpaces

PlaygroundAuction

CricketGrounds
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