Chowk renaming challenged in court

Activist accused of occupying Market Chowk; officials served notices over 'encroachment'

HYDERABAD:

The renaming of a public square in a commercial area of Mirpurkhas as "Field Marshal Chowk" by an alleged encroacher has been challenged in court, with a civil judge and judicial magistrate serving notices on a private citizen and six officials.

The court issued notices to Farooq Laghari and officials of the district administration, local government and police on an application filed by advocate Sehrish Mushtaq under Section 133 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The respondents have been directed to appear in person or submit their reports on September 8.

According to the application, Laghari allegedly renamed Market Chowk, located at the entrance of Khisak Pura market from the MA Jinnah Road in Mirpurkhas, as "Field Marshal Chowk" without obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.

The lawyer has cited alleged encroachment, public nuisance, illegal construction and obstruction of traffic as grounds for approaching the court.

The disputed structure comprises a large platform reportedly raised more than two feet above the road, along with a flagpole and a wall carrying a large portrait of the field marshal. Mushtaq said the market was frequented mainly by women as most of its shops dealt in women's clothing, footwear and jewellery.

"The field marshal is the pride of Pakistan, but his name should not be used to encroach upon roads, squares and intersections," she said. The lawyer alleged that Laghari had turned the public space into his autaq (guest area), while the structure erected in the middle of the road was causing traffic congestion.

She clarified that her petition was directed against the alleged unauthorised occupation of a public road without obtaining a no-objection certificate or approval from the competent authorities.

Mushtaq also expressed apprehension that the site could subsequently be used to hold political gatherings.

She alleged that the DC, chairman of the town municipal corporation, anti-encroachment cell in-charge and officials of the concerned police station had failed to prevent the alleged encroachment.