Petitioners allege CDA is concealing shelter conditions and misrepresenting policies.
ISLAMABAD CDA’s stray dog shelter policy questioned in High Court
A heated debate on transparency, animal welfare, and public accountability unfolded before the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on November 12, as the Capital Development Authority (CDA) faced serious allegations over its handling of the federal capital’s stray-dog management programme.
The case, Nilofer v. Chief Commissioner, was heard by Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro, with arguments led by the Environmental and Animal Rights Consultants, Pakistan, represented by its founding managing partner, Advocate Altamush Saeed.
Petitioners challenge ‘misleading’ government documents
During the hearing, the petitioners submitted a detailed synopsis disputing the government’s latest submission—an “initial framework” for stray-dog control. They argued that the document “does not constitute a framework at all”, calling it incomplete, vague, and unfit for policy implementation.
The petitioners accused the authorities of placing misleading information on record, particularly related to a policy implementation committee formed in 2020, which, they said, had been inaccurately portrayed as functional despite no evidence of activity.
Accusations of concealed shelter conditions
Advocate Altamush Saeed argued that the CDA has been denying the public access to its stray-dog shelter, raising concerns about the conditions in which the animals are kept. The petition contends that public funding is being used for a programme that remains shrouded in secrecy, with no independent oversight.
He emphasized that transparency in such facilities is essential for humane governance, especially when taxpayer money is involved.
Court seeks clarity; matter to continue
Justice Soomro questioned the government’s preparedness and the status of its policy commitments, directing the authorities to provide clear, verifiable information on the shelter, its operations, and the committee’s functionality.
The case is expected to continue with further hearings, as the petitioners push for greater transparency, structured policy guidelines, and humane stray-animal management that meets international welfare standards.