SC allows time for consultation on IT varsity plans

If the money went out of the country, it would be a national loss, says Justice Bandial

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday gave one month time for consultation on a plea for withdrawal of the amount brought from the United States into Pakistan for the establishment of an information technology university.

A three-member bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the case, pertaining to the establishment of the university by the Pakistani-Americans.

Justice Bandial said that because of non-provision of suitable space by the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the court had been requested to allow the return of the money brought in for the university.

According to Justice Bandial, patriotic overseas Pakistanis were making investment in the country but if the money went out of the country, it would be a national loss. Look at the beauty of this country, maintain the spirit of service to Pakistan, the judge said.

He said that if the university could not be established in Islamabad, it could be set up in Murree or at some other place, adding that the Supreme Court would provide all kinds of protection to the petitioner. The bench allowed one-month time for taking a decision in this regard.

He noted that the case was an issue of public interest and said that it would be better if the petitioner planned a university somewhere else. The petitioner's lawyer said that he would not guarantee, but assured that he would do his best that it happened.

Justice Bandial said that if the investment was to be withdrawn, the decision would be taken in accordance with the law. Justice Faisal Arab said that no court can order that the money brought into the country be taken back at any time.