Entry fee collection at parks irks Court

Seeks a report, summons director general parks

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court has ordered the DG parks to personally appear and submit an affidavit in response to a petition against the collection of entrance fees at major KMC parks in the metropolis.

A two-member bench, led by Justice Yousuf Ali Saeed, heard the petition regarding the imposition of entry fees at major KMC parks in the city.

The petitioner's lawyer, Advocate Tariq Mansoor argued that the Supreme Court has already imposed a ban on entry fees at parks. Despite this ban, entry fees are being charged at Hill Park, Jheel Park, and Ameeer Khusro Park. Public entry fees at Beach View Park Clifton, Polo Ground, and other parks should be stopped. The DG parks should be ordered to stop issuing tenders.

Expressing displeasure with KMC officials over the collection of entry fees. Justice Saeed gave final warning and said that action would be taken if this practice continues.

The KMC lawyer, however, argued that no entry fee is being collected at Kidney Hill Park or any playground or park. Justice Saeed remarked that they should comply with the court order and submit a report.

JIT meeting ordered

The Sindh High Court has ordered the federal and provincial governments to hold a JIT meeting on the recovery applications of more than 10 missing persons, including a retired assistant director of FIA.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Nimatullah Phulpoto heard the petition during which the police submitted a report to the court.

The court expressed its indignation over the traditional action taken by the police. The court remarked that the stereotype report is copied and pasted and submitted to the court. What is the need of such a report when steps have not been taken to recover the missing persons.

Compensation was to be paid to the family of Arsalan, the missing citizen. Justice Phulpoto questioned whether the family was compensated?

The public prosecutor stated that Arsalan's enforced disappearance has not been confirmed.

The court asked that why is it written in the report when no compensation is paid?

The court ordered an immediate JIT meeting to trace the retired FIA officer.

The SSP said that Haider went missing from Boat Basin area on his own. No agency has taken him into custody. The court remarked that if he himself has gone missing, it is the responsibility of the state to search for him. The state cannot turn away from its responsibility.

Illegal construction

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has admitted before the high court that illegal construction of a 9-storey building in Bihar Colony, Lyari, has taken place. The court has sought a detailed report regarding the residents and the construction.

A two-member bench, headed by Justice Salahuddin Panhwar, heard the petition.