SHC tells CBC to ‘put house in order’
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC) to start proceedings against its officers in a petition regarding illegal constructions in P&T Colony and provide details of action against the responsible cantonment officers.
A two-member bench headed by Justice Syed Hassan Rizvi at the Sindh High Court heard the petition regarding illegal constructions in P&T Colony.
During the hearing, Justice Rizvi questioned, "How was the 11-storey buildings constructed?" to which the CBC counsel admitted that these were all illegal buildings.
The court asked, "What happened to those who gave permission? How many officers did you take action against? Who is permitting the construction of these 11-storey buildings?"
Justice Rizvi remarked, "Start from putting your own house in order. Who will be responsible if the 13-storey building in your jurisdiction collapses?"
The CBC counsel argued that he would submit a reply and sought respite. The court directed the CBC to start taking action against its officers. The court sought details of the action taken against the responsible cantonment officers.
The court adjourned the hearing for 30 days, ordering it to submit a report on the proceedings against the responsible officers and send copies of the decision to the CBC chief executive officer.
The same bench has asked the Pakistan Railways to submit a report on construction of filling stations close to railways tracks on Sharae Faisal and the ownership of the land on which these refueling facilities were built on.
Justice Rizvi heard the petition filed by a non-governmental organization (NGO) against the construction of filling stations on Shahrae Faisal, particularly near the Drigh Road Railway Station.
Read More: Action ordered against illegal constructions
Giving his position, the railway's counsel alleged that the petitioner had demanded a bribe of Rs75,000 per petrol pump otherwise he would drag the owners of the filling stations into a case. The court ordered the railways counsel to give this allegation in writing. The court sought comprehensive reports on the railway land and ordered the NGO to submit 10 years audit record.
The court observed that a petrol pump could be dangerous for the railway track. "If there is ever a fire at the petrol pump, a whole passing train could catch fire," the court remarked.
The NGO's counsel argued that nothing could be built up to 100 feet from the track. The railway's counsel argued that the refueling facility was more than 100 feet away from the tracks.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 18th, 2022.