SHC orders chief secretary to affirm protection of Kirthar National Park

Sindh CJ expressed displeasure at the chief secretary and advocate general for ignoring the gravity of the situation

KARACHI:

In response to a petition opposing a housing scheme that threatens the renowned Kirthar National Park, the Sindh High Court has directed the chief secretary to provide a sworn statement or affidavit assuring protection of the sanctuary.

The bench, led by Sindh Chief Justice Ahmad Ali Shaikh, expressed displeasure at the chief secretary and advocate general for ignoring the gravity of the situation. Centuries-old goths were being demolished and national park land was being encroached in the name of a housing project, yet the provincial authorities were silent.

The chief secretary mentioned a report from the Commissioner of Hyderabad stating there was no current encroachment, but the court demanded assurance against present and future occupation in the affidavit.

The court extended the injunction against transfer of national park's land. The petition highlights threat to environment due to the housing scheme.