SC orders CDA to raze buildings near govt facility

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court has set aside a petition seeking regularisation of illegal constructions close to a sensitive government facility and ordered the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other concerned institutions to raze all such constructions at the earliest.

A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Asif Saeed Khosa, heard the case on Monday. During the proceedings the CJP asked the CDA why it is not removing the illegal constructions.
“Who is the CDA chairman? There will be no compromise on the defense of the country.

“Pakistan is secure because of its nuclear assets. Are you planting bombs of illegal constructions? If the court orders are not implemented then you will have to face contempt proceedings,” he noted.

Justice Gulzar Ahmend, also a member of the bench, instructed the CDA official “to take the bulldozer and clear the place”. Justice Sheikh Azmat Saeed said no more violations could be allowed. “The CDA and other concerned departments are ordered to remove all illegal constructions as quickly as possible.”

LNG CASE

The Supreme Court also rejected the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) appeals against former federal minister Anwar Saifullah and former senator Safdar Abbasi as it upheld decision of their acquittal in the LNG quota case.

A three-judge bench, led by Justice Khosa, heard the case. NAB lawyer argued that Anwar Saifullah as federal minister of petroleum issued the gas quota without authority.

Justice Sheikh in his remarks said: “NAB has to prove who had the authority to give the quota. There is nothing on record to tell that the former minister gave the order to allot the quota nor there is his signature anywhere.

Addressing NAB prosecutor, he said: “Is this way to prosecute the case? Where are the proofs that Anwar Saifullah allotted the quota?” The SC later rejected NAB appeals and upheld decision of their acquittal in the LNG quota case.SC orders CDA to raze buildings near govt facility

Throws out NAB appeal against acquittal of former petroleum minister, senator in LNG case