SHC disposes of contempt plea over PSL road closures
PHOTO: FILE
A two-member bench of the Sindh High Court, comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Amjad Ali Sahito, disposed of on Tuesday a contempt of court plea pertaining to closure of roads during Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in the city, while directing the police to increase police personnel in the roads during traffic jams and control street crime.
Sindh AIG Ghulam Nabi Memon, Additional Home Secretary and Traffic Police officials appeared in the court. Assistant advocate general informed the court that the accused involved in the murder of citizen, Usama, have been arrested.
A report pertaining to Usama's murder during a robbery was submitted in the court. The report states that the accused arrested in the murder case had confessed to shooting Usama, and identity parade of the accused will be conducted today (Wednesday).
Justice Sahito remarked while addressing AIG Memon that the progress in the murder case was nil for five days and the arrests were made after court's intervention.
Also read: PSL: Karachiites in for a traffic nightmare
The court inquired from senior lawyer, Advocate Hanif Bandhani, whether he was satisfied with the police investigation in Usama's murder. Bandhani maintained that they are satisfied with the investigation and AIG Memon is working well.
Justice Mazhar inquired if the roads had been opened or not. AIG Memon replied all the roads were open except Sir Shah Suleman Road. He said that all the barricades and containers had been removed. Emergency vehicles can use the road, said AIG Memon, adding that the road opposite National Stadium is closed due to security concerns.
Justice Mazhar asked why the police can't curb robberies and other street crimes that have increased during the closure of roads. Assistant Advocate General said over 3,000 police personnel were deputed on the roads. "3000 police officials have been deputed only for PSL security but who will control the traffic and stop robberies," remarked Justice Mazhar.
AIG Memon informed the court that all SHOs had been issued with directives. He claimed that drug peddling is a major issue in the city and is the cause of many other crimes. He said 80 per cent of the accused are released and those convicted are not penalized strictly.
Justice Sahito remarked while addressing Memon that blaming the courts makes no difference because the entire prosecution is incompetent. The court directed AIG Memon to increase police personnel on the roads and control street crime at all costs.
The court disposed the plea over AIG Memon's assurance for increasing police personnel on the roads.
KDA's dues
Meanwhile, hearing a plea pertaining to salaries of Karachi Development Authority officials, the same bench directed the relevant authorities to take immediate measures to run KDA operations smoothly.
During the hearing, Sindh Assistant Advocate General Shehryar Mahar informed the court that the summary for loan has been prepared and sent for approval to Sindh Chief Minister (CM) by Chief Secretary. He maintained that the loan will be provided to KDA immediately after CM's approval.
The court remarked that immediate measures be made to run the institution. It directed the authorities to resolve the issue of pensions and dues as well. KDA officials informed the court that they don't have enough money to run the institution properly. "Is it our job to resolve these affairs," remarked Justice Mazhar, adding that the government of Sindh should have resolved these issues on its own.
The court directed the authorities to make immediate measures to run KDA and adjourned the hearing till April 7.
Also read: Police launch crackdown on gamblers amid PSL matches
Missing persons
Meanwhile, another two-member bench, comprising Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto and Justice Abdul Mobin Lakho, directed the LEAs to recover the missing persons.
The court observed that the people have lost hope in the courts because they think that the police officials don't do anything for the recovery of their missing sons and husbands.
"It is the incompetence of police and other agencies," remarked Justice Phulpoto, adding that something needs to be done in order to restore the peoples' trust in the courts.
The court declared the reports regarding missing person, Bilal, and others and sought another progress report from interior ministry secretary and detention centres of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It directed the LEAs to recover missing persons by utilising all available resources, and adjourned the hearing till April 6.