IHC asks who is impeding implementation of its orders

Summons two federal secretaries, CDA and EPA chiefs on June 13

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has sought answers from two federal secretaries and the chairman of the apex civic authority of the federal capital to explain who is impeding the implementation of its orders on environmental pollution as it directed these officials to appear before the court in a contempt petition.

This was directed by IHC Chief Justice Ather Minallah as the court issued on Sunday a written verdict in a contempt of court petition. CJ Minallah has directed the secretaries of the environment department and climate change ministry to appear in person at the next hearing of the case, scheduled for June 13. Further, the court has also summoned the Capital Development Authority (CDA) chairman and the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) director general to attend the proceedings.

The order stated that none of the representatives from the environmental or interior ministries had appeared in the last hearing of the case, held on June 6.

CJ Minallah also instructed to identify the officials creating impediments in implementing the court’s orders. He added that the officials should satisfy the court why action against them should not be taken for violating the court’s orders.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2020.