Demolish illegal structures along drain: SC

The Supreme Court directed the relevant authorities on Wednesday to take action against the residential building constructed along the storm water drain in Sharae Quaideen.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, was hearing the case pertaining to encroachments on Sharae Quaideen.

Karachi Commissioner Navid Ahmed Shaikh informed the court that encroachments have been removed and illegal shops in the area have been razed.

CJP Ahmed expressed annoyance at the commissioner for permitting the narrowing of the nullah for the construction of a road, allowing mechanic shops and car showrooms to operate along Sharae Qauideen, and construction of high-rise buildings in Sindhi Muslim Society.

The bench directed the commissioner to take action against the residential building established on the land of the nullah and submit a report within a month.

Written order issued

Besides, the apex court issued the written order on Wednesday for the hearings conducted a day prior.

For the case pertaining to removal of encroachments and restoration of Karachi to its original form, the order states that Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been granted a month’s time to implement the directives passed by the apex court on May 9, 2019. The order adds that the CM has been directed to personally prepare an implementation report.

It further states that the relevant authorities have been directed to restore Kidney Hill Park, and to make the Green Line Bus service operational by June 2021.

Separately, the written order notes that the Civil Aviation Authority has been directed to construct parks on open places near the airport, and Karachi commissioner has been directed to suspend the construction of Tejori Heights.

With regards to the railways land allotted to Hayat Regency Hotel, the court has directed the authorities to take the matter before the cabinet and reach a resolution. Besides, the railways authorities have been tasked with completing the restoration of Karachi Circular Railway.

The apex court has also sought a report from the Federal Works Organisation DG in a month’s time and directed him to appear before the court in person.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2020.