A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, also sought a comprehensive report over the issuance of licenses for the installation of billboards in the federal capital.
The bench also observed that many billboards have been installed in violation of environment laws. The bench has taken notice of the issue in the case Irfan Naser vs. CDA.
Expressing his dissatisfaction over the CDA report, Justice Khawaja asked for the bench to be informed that under what law the civic body has been issuing licenses for the installation of large mega billboards in Islamabad.
Justice Dost Muhammad Khan remarked that the CDA has allowed the installation of large billboards on the roofs of plazas and termed it as a cruel act in terms of environmental protection.
He lamented that the CDA is not considering environmental issues.
On the other hand, amicus curiae Zulfiqar Maloka told the bench that substantial amounts are being invested by individual and companies to install the billboards so there must be a settled principle in this regard.
Expressing annoyance over the situation, Justice Khawaja observed that the government has to follow procedure in such matters.
The hearing was then adjourned till Wednesday.
According to media reports, public and social media activists from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have expressed great concern over giant billboards installed by different companies and traders along main roads and in densely-populated localities.
Among other things, the people underline that hanging billboards in populous areas pose a threat to human life and property.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 1st, 2014.
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