ISLAMABAD: The district administration on Saturday rejected claims that it had sealed Edhi’s ambulance control room in Aabpara.
Edhi’s zonal office had earlier said the control room was shut down by the authorities. The facility has operated there for the past 40 years. As a result, Edhi announced it was suspending all emergency services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. This will continue until the administration provides an alternative location.
In response, Islamabad District Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon posted on X. He said the reports were “completely baseless and misleading.” He added that no Edhi office had been sealed at any point.
The administration explained that the control room was built on land belonging to the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The 10-year agreement signed with Edhi in 2000 has long expired. Multiple notices to vacate the premises had been issued.
However, the administration clarified that only temporary security measures were taken in the area during recent processions. These steps were meant to maintain law and order. No final eviction action has been carried out so far.
The administration also said it had already offered Edhi an alternative site in H-8. Edhi management had requested time to shift after Eid. An assurance was given that the move would happen post-Eid.
Edhi, on the other hand, claims it received no prior notice. It also says it had paid rent in advance, including for the next 11 months.
The matter remains unresolved. Edhi services in the twin cities continue to stay suspended for now.
