Pay Rs1bn to OLMT construction companies, SC orders LDA

Court to impose penalty in case of failure of payment, says CJP

 ISLAMABAD  : The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to pay a sum of Rs1 billion to construction companies of the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project, Express News reported.

The bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that payment of bills is crucial for the construction companies, failing which the court shall impose a penalty on the development authority.



During the hearing, LDA's counsel argued that it was essential to measure the progress of the project before any payment was made. The counsel representing the construction companies apprised the bench that the payment had already undergone a 22-month delay. The counsel added that 97 per cent of the project has been completed.

Justice Nisar commented that the apex court shall oversee the matter and also direct the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to not probe the matter unless the SC issues directives.

The court ordered LDA to pay off the construction companies by the next hearing and further directed construction companies to grant LDA Rs1 billion worth of bank guarantee.