IHC not to interfere in IWMB, CDA affairs

Ather Minallah says courts shouldn't interfere in such matters

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Ather Minallah sought objections and details of powers from the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB) in the petition regarding constitution of Islamabad Wildlife management board (IWMB) interference in the board’s affairs.

During the hearing of the case the other day, the chief justice said that they would not interfere in the administrative affairs of the institutions, adding that the courts should not. He asked what both boards have done so far except to look into the affairs of the zoo, commenting that there was much to do in the Margalla Hills, but he did not want to go into details.

IWMB member Waqar Zakaria said he could give evidence that they protected the national park. The chief justice remarked that the elite and influential classes have taken over the affairs and animal sanctuaries have been destroyed.

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The chairperson and members of the board are all capable and working, Minallah said, adding that the board should recognise its powers.

He commented that the bureaucracy did not want the formation of the board for the past 40 years but it was formed on the orders of the court.

Minallah maintained that the court’s decision was presented before the Supreme Court of the United States. IWMB lawyer Daniyal Hasan said that the court’s decision was appreciated around the world.

The chief justice said the board has more work to do beyond the trail and the zoo, which it should understand.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2021.