Technology University: SC gives CDA two days to sort out land transfer issue

Overseas Pakistanis told to complete the project on the land already provided to them

ISLAMABAD: The top court on Friday gave two days to the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to sort out the matter of providing land for the construction of a technology university.

However, the court hinted that it may revise the rates for the land negotiated by the CDA.

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said this on Friday as he chaired a three-member bench of the Supreme Court (SC) on a case filed by Overseas Pakistanis about the establishment of the technology varsity in the federal capital.

During Friday’s hearing, the petitioner’s counsel Ayesha Hamid stated that they had an agreement with the CDA where the latter would provide 41.2 acres of land. However, it has been 10 years since the agreement but the CDA has yet to hand over complete possession of the land with 8.4 acres of land still not under their control.

At this CJP Nisar said that not only had overseas Pakistanis raised this issue but that the money for the project was for the provision of education to the people. He said that if the SC did not take the case under 184/3, then a formal case would have to be filed and it would last for years.

The CDA’s counsel argued that the petitioner’s had yet to pay the dues for the land. Moreover, the lawyer contended that the petitioners intend to use the land for commercial purposes.

At this, the chief justice asked the purpose of building a hotel on the site. The CDA’s counsel answered that they have formed a committee to review the matter and that the committee will complete its review and give a decision within a week.

Hamid countered that the hotel will not be used for commercial purposes. Moreover, there was no issue of funds and were ready to pay the dues even today.

The CJP noted that they should be content on the land which has been provided thus far and complete construction of the project, adding that it was possible that the old rates of the land may no longer remain in vogue.

The court directed that the CDA decide about land and hold a meeting with the petitioners.

The hearing of the case was then adjourned until Monday.

Quota for women

The court also dismissed a case where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) member Amna Asif who demanded specific reserved seats for the women from the federal capital in the National Assembly, to complement the three directly electable seats from the city.

The case was heard by a three-member bench of the SC, headed by CJP Nisar.

When Friday’s hearing began, the additional attorney general (AAG) told the court that the government wants that women from the federal should have a reserved quota of seats in the national assembly. In this regard, the AAG said, the government has moved a bill in the relevant standing committee.

On hearing this, the CJP dismissed the case.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 5^th, 2019.