Pindi to facilitate Murree encroachment body

SC directs Punjab govt not to demolish buildings until body submits report

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday directed the Punjab government to provide all facilities, including staff, for anti-encroachment drives in the popular hill station of Murree.

This was directed on Tuesday by a three-member bench of the SC, comprising Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel and Justice Sayyed Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi, while hearing a case about encroachment in Murree.

Justice Bandial remarked that no property in the hill station will be demolished until the Anti-Encroachment Commission hears all the affected people and submits its report. The court further instructed the Punjab government to fix an honorarium for the head of the commission.

Meanwhile, appearing on behalf of the Punjab government, Additional Advocate General (AAG) Faisal Chaudhry assured the court that all facilities required by the commission will be provided. Further, he identified that the Rawalpindi district administration, through the commissioner will ensure the provision of the relevant facilities including staff and equipment.

The hearing of the case was adjourned for two months.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 25^th, 2020.