The Sindh High Court (SHC) has sought a complete record from the Secretary of Education on the next hearing of a petition on free education and the situation of educational institutions in Sindh province.
A two-member bench, headed by Sindh High Court Chief Justice Ahmed Ali Sheikh, held a hearing on the state of educational institutions and free education in Sindh. Education Secretary Akbar Leghari appeared in court and the answer was submitted by the official.
"Tell us, how many schools are closed so far?" the Chief Justice asked. "We are working on reopening closed schools," the secretary said.
The Chief Justice also asked for the record of how many schools were closed on the district level and how many children were are out of school. "Provide data on how many schools are still closed and how many pupils are out of school in all Sindh districts within a month," the court ordered.
The court adjourned the hearing till May 19, seeking a complete record from the secretary at the next hearing. The petition was filed by the social organisation.
DMC South issues notices
Meanwhile, the SHC has issued notices to DMC South on a petition related to a beautification project near Lucky Star in Saddar.
A two-judge bench, headed by Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi, heard the petitions of shopkeepers in the area against the closure of roads in connection with the project. The petitioner's counsel, Advocate Munsif Jan, argued that grills were placed around the shops. "It has become impossible for customers to reach the shops," he said.
The court asked the public prosecutor about which department was carrying out the beautification work. The public prosecutor replied it was being done by DMC South.
"The DMC South is doing a lot of work these days. Each pot has DMC South written on it. It's good to beautify the city, but why are the roads being closed?" the SHC inquired.
The court issued a notice to DMC South. It also sought reply from the Sindh government within two weeks. In the petition, it was contended that construction was being carried out on Mir Karam Ali Talpur Road.
During construction, walls are being erected and roads are being closed. Roadblocks are severely affecting shopkeepers' businesses.
MNA's bail application
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has given a deadline to the prosecutor to respond to the bail application of National Assembly member Ali Wazir and sought the case record.
Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro presided over the hearing on the bail plea of National Assembly Member Ali Wazir. The prosecutor general asked for time to file a response. The prosecutor stated that the CD was sent to Islamabad to translate Ali Wazir's speech.
Justice Kalhoro remarked that when it is not known what was said in the speech, how could a case be registered? The prosecutor stated that the statements of witnesses were recorded.
"Does anyone know what is said in the Pashto address?" the court asked. "It is a simple matter; only the bail application has to be decided. The trial is not being carried out."
The court remarked it was giving respite for the last time and would not issue any further dates in the matter. The court sought the record of the case against Ali Wazir from the prosecution on May 11.
Ali Wazir's bail application was rejected by a special anti-terrorism court. A case has been registered against Ali Wazir in Shah Latif police station under terrorism provisions. Three terrorism cases against Ali Wazir have been registered in Sindh. Ali Wazir has been granted bail by the Supreme Court in a case.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2022.
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