IHC moved against inadequate facilities in new building

A petition has been filed in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) highlighting the lack of facilities in its new building and urging the court to address this issue for the benefit of lawyers and civilians.

Advocate Muhammad Anwar Dar filed the petition, expressing concern over the problems that have arisen since the IHC moved to the new building. The petition emphasises the difficulties faced by lawyers and citizens due to insufficient parking space. It particularly highlights the challenges faced by women and elderly lawyers in reaching the court premises.

According to the petitioner, there is a lack of public transport arrangements for lawyers and civilians, resulting in people having to walk more than 2 km to access the court. Additionally, the petitioner notes that the registrar does not permit women, senior lawyers, and civilians to use the IHC parking lot. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and the government are accused of failing to provide basic facilities to lawyers and civilians.

The petitioner urged the high court to consider relocating back to the old building if adequate parking space cannot be provided, as the CDA has allegedly failed to properly design the new building. Furthermore, the petitioner points out that the new building lacks a waiting room for lawyers and civilians, despite the significant investment made in its construction.

The petition also highlights the substantial maintenance costs associated with the new IHC building, suggesting that Pakistan, being a financially constrained country, cannot afford such expenses.

The petitioner appeals to the court to allow lawyers and the public to utilise the IHC parking lot. The federal government, ministry of finance, IHC registrar, CDA, and other relevant parties have been included in the petition as respondents.