The Karachi Cantonment Board pointed out that certain hoardings had been installed by the armed forces without its approval. DESIGN: ESSA MALIK
The two-member bench, comprising justices Amir Hani Muslim and Maqbool Baqar, at the SC's Karachi Registry Branch on Thursday called for the submission of reports within three weeks.
While hearing the matter regarding illegal signboards and hoardings in the city, the bench had directed the Karachi Cantonment Board and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to carry out an exercise regarding illegally installed hoardings and signboards in the cantonment areas and the rest of the city.
The apex court had directed them on February 26, 2014, to submit a detailed report regarding the number of hoardings, signboards, banners, posters and wall-chalkings that were legally affixed in different areas of Karachi, along with details of their licences and compliance of advertisement and signage by-laws within 15 days.
They were also asked to furnish details on the installation of illegal signboards in the city and slogans painted on public walls, bridges and public structures as well as any action taken against transgressors.
During Thursday's proceedings, the Karachi Cantonment Board filed its compliance report, specifically identifying the hoardings that were installed with its permission. However, it also pointed out that certain hoardings had been installed by the armed forces without its approval.
The KMC also filed its report, claiming that due to its strict vigilance, there were no illegal boards within its jurisdiction. It added that illegal signs were removed on a daily basis, while the department continued to discourage the installation of unlawful signboards.
Explaining the process, the KMC report said that hoardings were allotted for streets, overhead bridges and flyovers through public auctions. "There are 17 civil and other land-owning agencies that also issue permissions for the installation of hoardings," it added.
The report named these agencies as the Karachi Cantonment Board, Clifton Cantonment Board, Faisal Cantonment Board, Pakistan Railways, Station Headquarters, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Rangers, Malir Cantonment Board, Civil Aviation Authority, National Highway Authority, Defence Housing Authority, Karachi Port Trust, SITE Association, Korangi Cantonment Board, Pakistan Coast Guard, Sindh Police and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.
The apex court directed the office to issue notices to all these agencies. Meanwhile, the federal and provincial law officers were told to seek instructions from the concerned agencies and submit detailed reports regarding the legal and illegal installation of advertising signboards and hoardings within three weeks.
The bench while hearing the matter regarding illegal advertising sign boards and hoarding in Karachi had directed on February 26, 2014 the Karachi cantonment board and the KMC to carryout exercise in the cantonment areas and the city about illegal installed hoardings and signboards.
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