The Supreme Court, in a major development, lifted the stay order of the Sindh High Court in Gujjar Nullah, Orangi Nullah and Mehmoodabad encroachment cases.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed, heard the cases.
The counsel of KMC argued that the petitions on which the restraining order was issued were fake leases. KMC is removing encroachments on all nullahs on the directives of the Supreme Court.
The Sindh High Court is issuing restraining order and contempt proceedings. "Our officers are facing contempt of court proceedings every day."
The apex court remarked that houses on fake leases and charismatic constructions should be demolished immediately. The Supreme Court ordered the removal of all encroachments.
Case of Aladin Park,
Pavilion End Club
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has sought a report from Karachi Commissioner regarding Aladin Park and Pavilion End Club.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed held a hearing on Aladin Park and Pavilion End Club at the Supreme Court Karachi Registry.
Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed inquired the Karachi commissioner about the progress in the matter. "Has a public park been built there?"
The commissioner informed the court that steps have been taken to remove the encroachments. The court directed the commissioner to take action and submit a report.
Read More: Crackdown on encroachments today
Affectees protest
Meanwhile, the Gujjar and Orangi Nullah affectees reached outside the Supreme Court Karachi Registry.
A large number of senior citizens and women joined the protest. Demonstrators chanted “Ghar kay badlay ghar do, Wazir-e-Azam insaf karo”. The victims said that alternative houses should be arranged for them. They appealed that their lifetime earnings may be saved from being looted. “Arrange an alternative home first and then demolish the house,” they demanded.
SC order on KDA Park
The Supreme Court has ordered the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) director general to take measures to restore Authority's park and playground.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed, heard the case related to garbage in a park in Sector 5, New Karachi. The CJP remarked that the playground was littered with rubbish.
"Go and secure the park lands. Furniture and other facilities should be provided to the park visitors," the CJP remarked. The court directed the DG KDA to personally inspect the park.
The apex court directed the DG KDA to submit a report within a month.
End of occupation on park land ordered
The Supreme Court has ordered to end all occupation of park lands in Karachi Cooperative Housing Society.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed, heard the case of occupation of park land at the Supreme Court Karachi Registry.
Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed inquired where the KDA DG was? In whose jurisdiction does the PECHS fall?
Being unaware of the facts, the KDA DG told the court that it did not come within the jurisdiction of KDA. “I don’t know whose limits it is in.”
The apex court ordered immediate end to occupation of park lands. The court sought progress report from Karachi commissioner and other officials. The court also sought reports from KDA, KMC and other officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 26th, 2021.
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