NHA’s attorney informed the bench the bypass construction was delayed because of the finance division’s delay in releasing the funds. PHOTO: EXPRESS/ FILE
The order was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice (CJ) Dost Muhammad Khan and Justice Irshad Qaisar while hearing a suo motu notice on the delay in the bypass’ construction.
On September 1, 2012 the PHC had served notices to National Highway Authority (NHA) officials and the Northern Bypass project director seeking their reply after they failed to construct the bypass despite their commitment in court that the project will be completed within four months.
During the hearing on January 31, the court had served show-cause notices to secretary finance division, federal secretary communication and chairman motorways and highways, seeking their reply as to why the construction had been delayed.
At Wednesday’s hearing, the NHA’s attorney Sikandar Rasheed informed the bench the bypass construction was delayed because of the finance division’s delay in releasing the funds.
Rasheed said they have requested the finance division for funds three times over the past two years, the latest request letter was sent on February 2, but the NHA is yet to receive any response.
The finance division’s representative, however, denied receiving any letters from the NHA, adding that the planning and development department is the one which issues letters to the finance department for release of funds.
The court also directed the division to provide the funds so that construction of the bypass is completed on time. The bench later adjourned the case for April 4.
Meanwhile, the court also directed director general of Peshawar Development Authority to clear all the debris from the construction going on at Jamrud Road and to appear before it in person on March 23.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ