SHC orders action against builder, officials for illegal construction
In a letter to the Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights, a number of residents have claimed that illegal construction of multi-storey towers on greenbelts is causing environmental degradation. PHOTOS: FILE
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered action against the builder and the officers involved in the construction of an eight-storey building on a piece of land measuring 66 square yards in Delhi Colony within 15 days.
A bench, headed by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, heard the petition and expressed indignation over the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) for not taking action against illegal constructions. The court remarked that action should be taken against officers who allowed illegal construction or did not take action.
The CBC's counsel argued that three officers had retired while four were in service. Justice Rajput remarked that whether the officers had retired or the names of retired officers were included in the report.
"We are granting 15-day time. Take action against illegal constructions and submit a report," the judge remarked. The CBC's counsel argued that the authority tried to take action but law and order situation arose.
The court remarked, "Are you trying to say that you also need the help of the police in the cantonment area?"
The CBC's counsel contended that the problem was that the administration was not providing assistance. Justice Rajput remarked that the problem is that you do not want to address the issue of illegal constructions. "Why didn't you take action against the builder? What action has been taken against those who obstruct the action?" the judge inquired, directing the CBC counsel to file a case against the perpetrators and get them arrested.
Justice Rajput remarked that the court would order demolition of the illegal building whose case is pending. The court ordered to take action against the builder and the officers involved and submit a report within 15 days.
Read More: SHC seeks report on illegal construction
G+5 building at Pakistan Chowk
Meanwhile, a two-judge bench, headed by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput has summoned SBCA deputy director south in person on a petition against construction of a ground-plus-five building at Pakistan Chowk.
Irfan Aziz, counsel for the petitioner, stated that at one time there was a petrol pump at this place. But, in a short time, an illegal building was constructed.
The court summoned the SBCA's deputy director south in person with a comprehensive report and adjourned the hearing until December 1.
Euro Twin Towers
Hearing another petition pertaining to construction of 10-storey buildings in Block-L, North Nazimabad, the SHC bench, headed by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, has sought reply from parties besides seeking three-year audit report of the petitioning NGO.
Irfan Aziz, counsel for the petitioner, stated that 10-storey towers were erected on Plot No. 15 and 15/1. The approval plan for construction of the Euro Twin Towers and other formalities are not available. The court sought a comprehensive reply from the builders' counsel and the SBCA officials.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2021.