SHC orders removal of acting KU VC

Bench warns of contempt proceedings against CM if directives not implemented

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has ordered the removal of Acting Vice Chancellor of Karachi University and annulment of all decisions taken by Khalid Iraqi after January 26, 2022.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Aftab Ahmed Gorar heard the contempt of court petition against not removing Khalid Iraqi from the office.

Justice Gorar remarked that if it was not implemented within a week, contempt of court proceedings would be initiated. The court also annulled all decisions made by Iraqi after January 26, 2022.

The petitioner’s counsel argued that the court on January 26, 2022 had ordered removal of Iraqi. Despite the removal order, he continued to make policy decisions. Contempt proceedings may be initiated for failure to comply with the court order.

The court ordered the Sindh chief minister to appoint a permanent vice chancellor within three months. The court remarked that if the VC was not appointed within the stipulated time, contempt of court proceedings would be instituted against the chief minister as well.

The court directed Karachi University to send the names of 10 most senior professors to the Sindh chief minister. The court, in its remarks, asked the chief minister to appoint the most senior of its professors as acting vice-chancellor.

The court also directed to form a search committee for the appointment of a permanent vice chancellor.

LERP victims

The Sindh High Court has directed the Project Director of Lyari Expressway Resettlement Project (LERP) to look into the matter on the petition of the project’s victims.

The Additional Advocate General stated that the project director has been appointed and appointment is a major issue.

The court remarked that after seeing the issues of the victims, the reply should be submitted at the next hearing.

The petitioner contended that no compensation has been paid to the victims of the project. Order may be passed for payment of compensation and alternative plots. The court at the last hearing had directed the Sindh government to appoint a project director.

Court orders razing six-storey building on 50yds plot

The Sindh High Court has ordered SBCA DG and others to demolish illegal structures constructed on a 50 square yards plot in Qasimabad area of Liaquatabad and submit a report at the next hearing.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Mrs. Rashida Asad heard the petition.

The petitioner’s counsel Usman Farooq Advocate in his arguments said that the plot of 100 square yards was divided into two plots of 50 square yards each and a six-storey building was constructed on 50 square yards of land without the approval of the relevant authorities.

Illegal constructions on small plots have endangered the lives and property of the people living in the neighbourhood. Despite requests to SBCA and concerned agencies, no action has been taken. Order may be issued for demolishing illegal structures.

The court was furious with the SBCA officials and ordered immediate action against the six-storey buildind. The court ordered demolishment of illegal structures and directed the DG SBCA, Director SBCA, District Central and others to submit a report at the next hearing.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 25^th, 2022.