ISLAMABAD, May 29, 2025: During an anti-encroachment operation conducted by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) near Zia Mosque in Islamabad, a cart vendor reportedly passed away after suffering a heart attack.
The incident has triggered protests and public outrage from locals, who are of the viewpoint that the vendor suffered a fatal heart attack due to the CDA officials seizing his pushcart, which was reportedly his only means of livelihood.
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Media reports have quoted eyewitnesses as saying that the deceased had pleaded with CDA officials multiple times to not confiscate his cart. However, when the anti-encroachment personnel did not heed to his pleas, he collapsed on the spot overcome by distress. The eyewitnesses also said that he had died before medical assistance reached.
CDA’s operations have been described as overly harsh in the past as well, with debate surrounding the implications of such anti-encroachment drives on the urban poor. The protestors, speaking to media, said that the deceased man was trying to earn a living to feed his family which was forcefully taken away by the CDA.
They also accused the CDA personnel of employing excessive force without taking into account the effect it may have on the people.
