SC gives centre, provinces 3 days to remove encroachment

The  Supreme  Court  has given the federal and provincial governments three days to remove encroachments from roads and footpaths nationwide.

A three-member bench, headed by SC Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, issued a written  order,  accentuating the urgent need to address the hindrances faced by  pedestrians,  particularly due to containers obstructing Karachi's roads. 

The court ordered the immediate removal of these containers from footpaths.

Initially  placed  to  block roads  for  some  reasons, these containers were later  shifted  to  footpaths  or roadsides, causing problems for pedestrian, as per the written order. 

Moreover, municipal authorities  have  been  directed  to  prioritise  tree plantation efforts, acknowledging trees as vital in combating climate change and providing essential oxygen. 

Expressing  dissatisfaction with the administration's  neglect  of  existing trees,  the  apex  court directed  the  local  governments  to  improve  their care and maintenance.

The  apex  court  also  underlined  the  importance of  conducting  a  comprehensive  survey  to  assess the  state  of  tree  planting initiatives and to prepare a detailed report for action. 

Noting the effectiveness of trees in reducing pollution and enhancing oxygen levels, the bench underscored the significance of practical steps in tree plantation 
efforts.

The attorney general has been tasked with disseminating  the  written  order  to  all  relevant  government departments, while  PEMRA  has  been instructed to broadcast a  public  service message  regarding  encroachment removal. Both federal and provincial governments have  been  given  a  three day deadline for encroachment removal, with costs to be borne by the responsible authorities.

The  additional  attorney general  and  the  advocate general have been directed  to  submit  a  com- pliance  report,  with  the court expressing anger at the  encroachment  mafia for  unlawfully  occupying especially the public properties.  The  written  order highlighted the fundamental  right  of  citizens to unrestricted movement and denounced the deprivation of taxpayers' rights by the government.

While acknowledging past  challenges  such  as  terrorist threats, the apex court stressed the unlawful nature  of  commercial establishments encroaching  upon  open  spaces or green areas around buildings.  Specific  areas,  including  Gujjar,  Orangi, and  Mahmoodabad  nullahs  were  mentioned for encroachment removal operation