ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar Tuesday remarked that the current government lacks capability, skill and strategy to resolve the issues facing the country.
“The current government does not have any capability or planning,” the chief justice remarked during hearing of a suo motu case pertaining to illegal constructions in Bani Gala, adding that construction was allowed in Zone 3 and Zone 4 without a master plan.
A three-member bench headed by the top judge and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah had previously directed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government to regularise all properties located in the federal capital’s suburbs including the sprawling residence of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
During the hearing on Tuesday, Additional Attorney General Nayyar Abbas Rizvi submitted a report on behalf of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). As per the report, a 1960 map of Bani Gala shows roads in Zone 4. In 1992 and 2010, amendments were made to the map and some private housing societies were granted permission for constructions in certain areas of Zone 4, the report states.
“A large green area is still present in Zone 4 and can be saved,” the additional attorney general informed the court. To this, the chief justice asked, “Do you want to construct roads in this area?” “It is possible that you install underground electricity cables since a Naya Pakistan is being made and you will need land for this,” he observed. “Land is needed for facilities in Bani Gala. If you want to develop as per a plan, then land will have to be bought and compensation will have to be paid to the owners. Fee will also have to be paid for regularistaion,” the chief justice said. “If you want to make a new city, then CDA should purchase land,” he said.
The owners will have to pay off the fines for their illegal constructions, he said, adding that properties will be demolished if their owners failed to pay the regularisation fee. The additional attorney general informed the apex court that the prime minister had submitted a request along with a map for regularisation of his Bani Gala mansion. The prime minister’s counsel argued that the regularisation charges were too high. When the chief justice summoned CDA chairman on the matter of regularisation of Zone 1, he was informed that the latter had already left the court premises.
“The CDA and Islamabad Capital Territory owe us Rs 3.42 million,” a representative of the Survey General of Pakistan informed the court. “CDA has granted approval for payment of dues and that Punjab government also owes some money,” the additional attorney general responded. The bench then directed that the amount be paid to the Survey General of Pakistan within a month. Further, the director general of environment department informed the bench that he has not received a copy of civil court’s judgment in favour of environmental protection. The SC issued notices to the respondents and adjourned the case till November 22.
Published in Daily Times, November 14th 2018.
