Bab-i-Pakistan: LHC questions delay in construction

During the hearing, the bench expresses concern over a delay of 27 years in construction of the project

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought a reply from the chief secretary Punjab about inordinate delay in completion of Bab-i-Pakistan project.

A division bench of LHC headed by Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh was hearing an intra court appeal filed by Punjab opposition leader Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed challenging modifications in the design and delay in construction of the national monument which was to be built to commemorate sacrifices of the refugees in 1947.

During the hearing, the bench expressed concern over a delay of 27 years in construction of project. Representing the petitioner, Advocate Sheraz Zaka said after a delay of 27 years, now the master plan has been altered and the whole essence of the project had been lost in violation of Antiquities Act.

For the past eight months the provincial and local governments failed to submit their replies to the court. The bench directed the chief secretary to submit a reply on the matter by April 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2017.