PHC allows work on national parks renovation

The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed a petition seeking to halt the construction of a new track at Nathia Gali and Mushkpuri Park, allowing the company awarded the contract to proceed with the project.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Farah Jamshed heard the petition. The petitioner was represented by counsel, while Advocate Bashir Wazir appeared on behalf of the contracting company.

The petitioner's counsel argued that the contract for the proposed track in Mushkpuri and Nathia Gali parks had been awarded unlawfully and that the project could adversely affect the area's environment, leading to pollution. The court was requested to suspend the project and declare the contract void.

In response, Advocate Bashir Wazir informed the court that the government had issued a tender for the renovation and beautification of Nathia Gali Park, Mushkpuri Park, and other recreational sites. He said a private company, Galien, had submitted the successful bid and was awarded the contract at an annual value of Rs17 million.

The company's counsel clarified that no new track was being constructed. Instead, the project was aimed at beautifying and upgrading the existing tracks and improving park facilities.