Legality of Blue Area entry fee questioned

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday questioned under what legal authority an entry fee is being charged for access to the New Blue Area and summoned the Administrator of the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) to appear in person at the next hearing on June 8.

The court also directed the Secretary Interior, the Chief Commissioner Islamabad and the MCI to submit their replies before the next hearing.

The order was passed by Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir while hearing a petition filed by Advocate Muhammad Tayyab challenging the imposition of an entry fee for access to the New Blue Area.

The petitioner was represented by advocates Zohaib Gondal and Hazrat Younas.

During the proceedings, counsel for the petitioner argued that the New Blue Area comprises commercial markets, corporate headquarters and restaurants, yet the MCI is charging motorists Rs100 for using the service road leading into the area.