Bari Imam residents lose stay bid

The Federal Constitutional Court on Thursday rejected a plea seeking to halt the CDA's operation in Islamabad's Bari Imam area.

A two-member bench headed by Justice Aamir Farooq heard the case. Justice Farooq remarked that it would be more appropriate for the matter to proceed before the relevant forum.

Counsel for the local residents argued that all houses could be demolished before a decision is issued by the High Court.

The court observed that no observations should be sought from it and advised the petitioner to pursue the appropriate legal remedy. The counsel submitted that a request for an early hearing had already been filed in the High Court but had not been taken up.

Justice Farooq questioned under what law a committee could be formed in a judge's chamber. The counsel responded that the committee had earlier been constituted by the CDA.

The court, however, remarked that it was not within a High Court judge's mandate to form such committees.

The counsel warned that if the operation was not halted, all houses would be razed, and requested the court to direct the High Court to issue an early decision. Justice Farooq reiterated that the petitioner should adopt the proper legal course without seeking observations from the court.