SBCA comes under SHC’s microscope

Court seeks report on action against illegal structures in Gulberg, Nazimabad

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court, expressing its sheer frustration over the lack of action against illegal constructions in Gulberg Town, directed the Sindh Building Control Authority's Deputy Director Gulberg Town to demolish illegal structures and submit a report over the action taken.

A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, heard the petition against illegal constructions in the area of Gulberg Town. The SBCA counsel said that an operation against encroachments was underway in the city on the orders of the Supreme Court.

He assured the court that his client was doing its best to take action. "We are also trying to implement the orders of the Sindh High Court," the SBCA counsel argued.

The court, however, seemed least convinced. It was furious that no action had been taken against illegal construction even though a considerable amount of time had passed.

Justice Rajput remarked that even after the passing of four years, no written reply has been submitted by SBCA.

The court summoned the Gulberg Town deputy director and ordered the demolition of illegal structures before the submission of a report.

More illegal construction

In another substantial development with regards to builders constructing illegal portions, the Sindh High Court (SHC) sought a one-year report from the officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) over illegal construction in the area of North Nazimabad. In particular, the court was a case hearing a petition against illegal constructions in Block-C of the North Nazimabad area.

"How successful was the criminal prosecution against the builders?" the court asked of the relevant counsel. "In how many cases were the builders convicted?" it questioned SBCA officials. The officers of the building authority were ordered to submit a report over the illegal construction in the area.

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A two-member bench, headed by Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, heard the petition.

The petitioner's counsel stated that there is a plot of 200 square yards in Block-C, North Nazimabad, whereupon the respective builder has erected a ground plus three-storied building. The court sought a one-year report from SBCA officials.

The court asked how many cases had been registered against builders and plot owners in the city. "How successful was the criminal prosecution against the builders?" the bench asked. It continued with its line of question how many builders, involved in this form of illegal construction, were actually convicted?"

The court directed the SBCA to submit the comprehensive report by January 18.

Recovery of missing persons

Meanwhile, a two-member bench, headed by Justice Naimatullah Phulpoto, heard petitions seeking the recovery of missing persons.

The investigation officer said that Nadeem was taken into custody by DSR Manzoor Panhwar. However, the DG Rangers, in his reply, stated that there was no DSR named Manzoor Panhwar. Meanwhile, Rangers prosecutor Habib Ahmed argued that imposters used the names of various institutions to collect money from the victim's family and many such people had also been brought to book.

The court was furious with the agencies concerned over the lack of progress on the recovery of missing persons. "What is the use of JIT and task force meetings?" Justice Phulpoto asked sternly. "Why are so many forums created when there is no result? Do everything to bring back the missing persons. The families of the missing are quite worried," he asserted.

The court ordered the intensification of efforts to recover missing persons and sought progress reports from the Sindh IGP, DG Rangers and other agencies within a month.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 5^th, 2021.