After all, public officers are nothing but the servants of the people
KARACHI: In civilised societies the world, civic facilities are meant for the benefit of the public and they must be determinedly guarded to protect the interest of the citizens. The word amenity plot has been used in the law as recreation plots for benefit and enjoyments of the residents of the vicinity. From the perusal of the Constitution of Pakistan 1973, it is very clear that the allotment of amenity plot for a purpose other than amenity would be sheer violation of the law and negation of the rights of all citizens.
Unfortunately the precious amenity lands of Karachi have continuously been illegally converted for profitable businesses. In Karachi, DHA and Cantonment Board have allotted several amenity lands to petrol pumps. Additionally, in terms of Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority Ordinance of 2002, the NOC from the Explosive Department is necessary for the construction of petrol pumps, especially in the residential areas. But no such permission or NOCs were issued to these petrol pumps. Besides, no information regarding the allotment of amenity plots was given to the citizens of the area, which is the violation of Article 19-A (right to information) of the Constitution.
Furthermore, several government departments have converted their lands, which were allotted to them for defence, education and training institutions for business purposes, such as marriage halls and housing societies.
Amenity plots that have now been converted into commercial marriage halls or marquees are a sheer violation of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution and as a result of which easementry rights, privacy and the right of air have now been seriously jeopardised due to heavy rush, blockage of roads and traffic congestion that eventually take a toll on people’s mental and physical health. It has perhaps become a common practice for the authorities, for their own benefits or of their officials, to encroach upon public areas, plots, especially greenbelts, parks and playgrounds for commercial purposes.
It is incumbent upon the government officials, especially the DHA, Cantonment Board, Sindh Building Control Authority and Military Estate Office to ensure that they facilitate the public instead of themselves. After all, public officers are nothing but the servants of the people.
Arsalan Raja
Published in The Express Tribune, April 29th, 2017.
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