NAB likely to probe land allotments

The Sindh High Court has hinted that NAB may be asked to conduct inquiries into the land allotment of various societies in Karachi. A two-member bench, headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, heard a petition regarding the dispute over allotment of lands in these housing societies.

The court indicated that it would conduct an inquiry through NAB. It remarked that since the appointment of administrators in the societies, all the welfare plots have been sold. Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi remarked that even the welfare plots and roads have been sold.

"NAB is investigating the land of societies. Societies with land disputes should be referred to NAB." It was observed that NAB was investigating several societies and had earlier filed references against two of them. Many of the accused have also been convicted in land disputes and scams. Petitioner's counsel Usman Farooq Advocate stated that if a written reply is sought from Kaniz Fatima Society, then the matter will be cleared.

The bench adjourned the hearing in the petition of Kaniz Fatima Society due to the absence of Advocate Shamshad Qureshi

SHC upholds sentence

A two-member SHC bench, headed by Justice KK Agha, has rejected the appeal of former MQM London sector in-charge Raeesuddin Mamma in a case of spreading terrorism in the city and raising funds for targeted killings. The court ordered to uphold the sentence of the accused.

The bench ruled that concrete evidence was presented against the accused for raising funds and spreading terrorism. "The court cannot order the offender to be acquitted." According to police, Raeesuddin Mamma was a government employee. The accused was raising funds to spread terrorism. Law enforcers added that the suspect received Rs2.5 million in his bank account.

Raeesuddin was accused of his involvement in targeted killings at the behest of MQM London. The accused's confession was filed under Sections 11N and 11L of the AntiTerrorism Act. A special anti-terrorism court sentenced him to 10 years in prison and a fine if the crime had been proven.

Notices issued

The Sindh High Court issued notices to the Local Bodies secretary and MD Water Board on a petition against the issuance of a bill of Rs2.1 million. A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, heard the petition filed by Dadex Pvt Ltd against the Water Board for issuing a bill of Rs2.1 million.

The petitioner's counsel contended that a bill of Rs.2.1 million was sent to the Dadex Company in Manghopir. "The Dadex Company does not use any water board facility.

Neither do we take water from the board nor do we avail sewerage facility. However, we are ready to deposit the payment of the disputed bills with the court nazir.

The Water Board should be restrained from taking coercive action," the counsel argued. The court remarked that the disputed amount should be deposited with the nazir in seven days. The court restrained the Water Board from taking action against the petitioner. The court issued notices to the Secretary Local Government and MD Water Board.