Illegal constructions: LHC summons WCLA officials, building record

Petitioner seeks contempt proceedings against officials.

LAHORE: Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday summoned the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) officials along with the record of illegally constructed buildings in the area.

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah heard a petition against the construction of multi-storey commercial buildings in the Walled City in violation of a stay order.

Petitioner’s counsel Azhar Siddique told the court that the construction of such buildings had continued even after the issuance of the stay order.

“In its April 11, 2014 order, the court had directed the WCLA to take action against the illegal constructions. However, the respondents failed to comply. The haphazard and illegal construction and commercial activities within the Walled City are illegal and unconstitutional,” he said. He requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the officials. The judge summoned the WCLA officials to appear before the court on Friday (today) at 3pm.

Doongi Ground:

Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza of the LHC on Thursday sought reply from the Environment Protection Department (EPD) and the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on a petition challenging construction of a parking plaza on Doongi Ground on the MM Alam Road.

The petitioner stated that the owner had not obtained the Environment Impact Assessment from the EPD for the project. The judge directed the respondents to submit their replies by April 2.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2015.