Encroachments on schools to be removed

Apex court upholds decision to demolish Nasla Tower


Our Correspondent September 23, 2021

KARACHI:

The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) on Wednesday ordered the removal of illegal constructions and encroachments from all government schools by restoring them to their original condition in Jacobabad district. The court also sought a progress report from relevant authorities.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heard the case of encroachments in Jacobabad at the apex court’s Karachi Registry.

The SC issued a contempt of court notice to SP Jacobabad Shumail Riaz. The top court also sought an explanation from the SP. The court directed the Sindh IGP to take action against the SP Jacobabad. Riaz, meanwhile, appeared in court.

“If you commit misrepresentation, you will be fired right away,” the chief justice remarked.

“I apologise unconditionally,” said SP Jacobabad. Giving an observation, the CJP said the SP should be suspended immediately. The court sought a report from the Sindh IGP within a week.

The court directed the Jacobabad SSP to appear at the next hearing with the report. During the hearing, Jacobabad deputy commissioner (DC) appeared in court. The DC said that three out of six buildings have been demolished. “Three buildings, including Mairaj Hotel, are to be demolished. It is a five-storey hotel. Two floors have been demolished.”

Nasla Tower review
petition dismissed

The Supreme Court also dismissed the review petitions in the Nasla Tower case. The apex court upheld its decision to demolish the Nasla Tower.

Read More: Drains cleared of encroachments

The court, while seeking a report on the implementation of its order, told the Karachi commissioner to get the Nasla Tower vacated within a month.

The counsel for allottees, Advocate Munir A Malik, argued that allegations of construction on a service road were incorrect. The court asked the counsel to produce the lease of Nasla Towner. He replied that the lease was granted by the Sindhi Muslim Housing Society.

The CJP asked the Karachi commissioner as to why the triangle related to Nasla Tower was not demolished and directed him to submit a report.

Malik argued that the court should also summon the Sindhi Muslim Housing Society.

Commercial use of amenity plots

The SC also issued notices to the Sindh advocate general, Karachi Development Authority director general, Karachi commissioner, hospital management and others on the commercial use of amenity plots in a case related to Ziauddin and South City Hospitals. It sought comprehensive replies from the parties.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2021.

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