Illegal construction case: SC orders placing PML-N lawmakers on ECL

CJP warns lawmaker about the consequences of lying

LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Saturday directed the Ministry of Interior to place the names of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Afzal Khokhar and MPA Saiful Malook on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, who headed a bench of the apex court, gave this direction while hearing a case pertaining to illegal construction.

The bench summoned details of the assets of both the PML-N leaders and directed the authorities to raze illegal structures erected by them. Afzal Khokhar said the properties they owned were legal and constructed as per maps.

At this, the CJP remarked he was well aware of such maps, adding that he could order their cancellation.

“You are endangering your membership of the National Assembly by telling a lie,” he warned the lawmaker. “We have to get rid of these encroachments. Any encroachment on the land owned by overseas Pakistanis, orphans or widows is unacceptable.”

The CJP directed the SP Cantt to hold Khuli Kachehri (open public forum) at Township to hear people’s complaints.

Former LDA DG Ahmed Cheema appeared in court in a housing scheme case.

“Billions of rupees were spent, but the people have yet to receive their lands,” the chief justice said. “Where should the people go?” Cheema remarked that the construction process was transparent. “The people didn’t get their land and you sent files,” said Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

“Bhikki power plant was set up after LDA,” Cheema told the court.

The judge asked, “Why were Rs1 million taken for that?” He ordered seizing Cheema’s properties. The top judge said that he was disappointed as all these people would be released soon.

The court sent notices to four provinces in the Patwari circle case. “Patwaris are the country’s biggest cancer,” said CJP. “The government needs to solve this problem.”