SC for resolving varsity’s land case

CJP instructs CDA to decide allotment issue after consulting with the petitioner

ISLAMABAD:

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and EN Point – an international company – to resolve the land allotment case for the construction of the International IT University in Islamabad within a month.

A three-member bench, led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, conducted the hearing of the case on Friday in the Supreme Court. This is the same location where the IT University was being constructed, said Justice Musarrat Hilali during the proceeding.

Responding to the court’s queries, the CDA lawyer stated that the contract with the company was terminated after consultation. However, he mentioned that the company could still purchase the land at the current market rate.

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CJP Isa suggested, “Make a new contract if you are ready to provide the land. It is commendable that an international university is expanding its presence in Pakistan. While we're not singling out anyone, many people were given land free of cost for educational institutions in Pakistan. We are keen on encouraging foreign investment, and it is a good thing that an outsider is establishing a university.

Justice Musarrat Hilali pointed out that earlier access to the land was denied because it was under consideration by someone else, and now foreign investment interest has emerged.

The court’s ruling highlighted that the lease of Rs483.960 million was signed between the International Company and CDA for 41.2 acres of land on Islamabad Curry Road. The company was obligated to make the remaining payment of Rs170 million. The court specified that the land allocated should strictly be used for university purposes only.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 24^th, 2024.