Rehearing in DHA water supply case

Petitioner says regular bench has already heard arguments

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court's Constitutional Bench on Monday decided to rehear a petition challenging the non-supply of clean water in DHA areas and sought fresh arguments from the parties.

Petitioner Sameera Mohammadi contended that a regular bench of the SHC had already completed arguments in the matter and that the Constitutional Bench should now deliver its verdict.

However, counsel for the cantonment authorities argued that following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the case had been transferred to the Constitutional Bench and must be heard afresh.

Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed observed that the petitioner had two options: either allow the Constitutional Bench to hear the case or withdraw it and approach the Federal Constitutional Court.

The petitioner requested that the matter be referred back to the regular bench. The court directed that such an application could be filed before the office. The bench adjourned the hearing and sought fresh arguments from all petitioners on February 14, while extending the interim order regarding uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water to DHA areas.

Plea against ban on athlete

The Constitutional Bench issued notices to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), Pakistan Padel Federation (PPF), and others on a petition challenging a lifetime ban imposed on former athlete Qurratul Ain.

Counsel for the petitioner argued that Qurratul Ain had represented Pakistan internationally and served as General Secretary of the PPF. An assistant director of netball, a subsidiary of the PSB, had imposed a lifetime ban without lawful authority.