SC summons interim report on contempt plea against ex-CM

Non-compliance of orders for resettlement of Gujjar, Orangi, Mehmoodabad nullahs irks apex court

KARACHI:

The Supreme Court has summoned an interim report within 15 days on a contempt of court petition against former chief minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah and others, concerning the provision of alternative housing for thousands of people displaced by the expansion of the city's three major storm water drains.

A three-member SC bench, headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and comprising Justice Syed Hassan Azhar Rizvi and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan, sought the report while hearing a petition seeking contempt proceedings against the former CM and others.

In 2021, the apex court had ordered the launch and execution of a Rs10 billion scheme for resettlement of families displaced by expansion of Gujjar nullah, Orangi nullah, and Mehmoodabad nullah.

Read  Protest held in Karachi against demolitions

On Thursday, the bench was informed by the provincial additional advocate general that a report on distribution of cheques among the affectees had already been submitted. However, the petitioners' counsel disputed this, stating that the issue of cheque distribution remains unresolved.

The provincial chief secretary suggested taking the matter to the cabinet, but Justice Mazhar remarked that it falls under the purview of the Supreme Court. The bench expressed concern over non-implementation of its verdict and warned of contempt proceedings if compliance report not submitted.

The petitioner's counsel proposed that the court decides on a suitable course of action, considering the large number of affectees. When Justice Rizvi inquired about land allocation, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab explained the plan for distribution of cheques for rent.

Justice Mazhar remarked that the affectees should have been provided with a shelter before evicting them. The bench expressed concern about illegal occupancies and the need to address the issue immediately.

Read  400 illegal shops at Board Bazaar demolished

The deputy commissioner for South District claimed that 461 affectees have yet to receive compensation cheques. Justice Mazhar inquired as to why they haven't received their cheques? The DC said that some had passed away while others had their national identity cards blocked. "We have made announcements in mosques," he claimed.

The petitioner's counsel hit back saying neither any announcements were made in mosques, nor lists published, praying the court to seek a list of those yet to collect cheques.

The city mayor put the total number of affectees at 6,092. The petitioner's counsel contested these figures. "We should be provided with a list of those who have not come to collect the cheques," he stated.

Read  US requests Pakistan not to deport 25,000 ‘vulnerable’ Afghans

Justice Saadat remarked that cheques have been distributed and the matter of substitute lodging would also be resolved at the next hearing. "Slowly and steadily we shall reach the destination," Justice Khan remarked.

After hearing, the court gave respite to the provincial government for cabinet approval, ordering an interim report within 15 days.

Meanwhile, hundreds of affected families of Orangi and Gujjar nullahs staged a protest outside the Supreme Court. They shouted, "Honour your promise, pay our right." They said that the Sindh government had promised to pay them Rs15,000 per month house rent for two years. We were paid four cheques and after that we have received nothing, they claimed.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 22^nd, 2023.