SHC extends stay in Qasr-e-Fatima case
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has extended the stay order for the official assignee from taking charge of Qasr-e-Fatima or Mohatta Palace till December 1.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi heard the appeals of the provincial government and others for the decision of the single bench to set up a medical college at Qasr-e-Fatima.
The palace gifted by Quaid-e-Azam to his sister Fatima Jinnah has remained the centre of controversy. The court remarked that the parties should first determine the heirs of Fatima Jinnah's property.
On this occasion, Additional Advocate General Sindh told the court that Advocate General Sindh is abroad; therefore, respite should be granted. The court remarked that the appeals would be decided after hearing the Advocate General Sindh.
The decision of the original and primary case will have to be awaited first, and in the meanwhile, the parties can file appeals if the final decision of the original case is reached.
Read More: Mohatta Palace should be called Qasr-e-Fatima: SHC
Aamir Ali's lawyer took a position in the court that the people living near Qasr-e-Fatima were not a party in the case.
Khawaja Shamsul Islam Advocate giving position said that Mohata Palace Gallery Trust is also not registered. The trustees of the Gallery Trust do not respect the court's decision. In contrast, the trustee published the advertisement. However, the court's decision and the name of Mohta Palace used in the advertisement instead of Qasr Fatima has no status of the trust, and it is a cultural wing of PPP.
An SHC bench directed the counsel for the petitioner to amend the petition on the plea of the MQM regarding the restriction of appointment powers of administrators in the province.
A two-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sindh High Court Justice Ahmad Ali Sheikh heard the petition of MQM leader Faisal Sabzwari regarding the restriction of appointment powers of administrators in Sindh.
The court remarked, “What relief do you want from the court?” Do you want local elections to take place?
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2021.