SC orders to be followed 'in letter and spirit': PPP minister

Court had ordered razing of encroachments across city earlier this week

KARACHI: The Supreme Court's orders to remove encroachments from various parts of the city will be implemented "in letter and spirit," pledged Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, while addressing a convention on 'Problems Face by the Print Media Industry,' held by the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) on Saturday.

Earlier this week, the apex court had ordered the relevant authorities to take action against illegally constructed buildings across the city.

Speaking on the occasion, Shah stated that the government would first arrange alternative housing for the residents of these buildings and then raze their dwellings. He added that all stay orders had been done away with in line with the court's orders.

He further said that the affairs of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) would be streamlined very soon. The Supreme Court had also ordered the removal of SBCA director general Zafar Ahsan on Thursday, directing the provincial chief secretary to take over temporary charge and restructure the body.

"The population of Karachi has increased manifold; that's why the government is facing multiple problems here," said the minister.

Meanwhile, discussing the replacement of Sindh police chief Dr Kaleem Imam, Shah maintained that the Centre had turned the issue into a controversy for no reason. He advised Imam to go on leave immediately instead of making matters worse.

"Constant efforts are being made to destabilise the Sindh government," he complained, claiming that development projects in Karachi were suffering because the federal government had failed to provide Rs130 billion earmarked for these schemes.