Lawyers decry routes closed for Kachehri project

Bar Association threatens to open roads by force, demands compensation

RAWALPINDI:

The District Bar Association Rawalpindi has warned that if the administration fails to resolve ongoing issues regarding the Kacheri Chowk widening and remodelling project within two days, lawyers will forcibly open the closed routes on November 10.

The association said it has closely monitored the project from the start and cooperated with district authorities and other stakeholders.

In the presence of the Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) and Assistant Commissioner (Cantonment), areas belonging to the bar were marked and handed over for construction.

The old Hamza Block, mosque, and adjoining chambers were demolished as per marking, and reconstruction of the affected mosque is being done by the bar on a self-help basis. Affected lawyers have also begun rebuilding their chambers.

However, the association accused the administration of failing to plan alternate routes and parking facilities, causing immense trouble to lawyers, judicial staff, and litigants.

They warned the authorities not to overstep the agreed boundaries and demanded immediate allotment of substitute land, construction of the promised parking plaza, and compensation for destroyed property.

The bar leadership cautioned that any coercive action by the administration would be resisted, holding authorities responsible for any confrontation.

With the commencement of the work on the project, the City Traffic Police said commuters travelling from Rawat via Jhelum Road towards Old Airport would use Bahria Phase 1 and High Court Road.

Those heading from Jhelum Road towards Peshawar Road and New Airport would take Morgah Turn and other routes.