The Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) Tuesday resumed hearing of the suo moto case taken in October 2011 over the deteriorating law and order situation of the city and expressed dissatisfaction over the follow-up report presented by the Government of Sindh and police.
A five-member bench headed by Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali and comprising Justice Khilji Arif Hussain, Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany, Justice Amir Hani Muslim and Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the case at Karachi Registry.
During the hearing, Justice Anwar Zaheer expressed discontentment over the report submitted by the Sindh government and security forces regarding their performance in improving the law and order situation in Karachi. He said had the report been comprehensive, there had been no need to hear the case again. He said that 13 months are enough to control the situation.
The bench questioned that why legislation was not done to keep the licensed arms. Replying to this, advocate general Sindh told that efforts are underway to legislate on the matter soon. On this, Justice Amir Hani remarked that legislation can be done in half an hour provided that one intends to do so.
Advocate general replied that some people are arguing that why to make such a law in Sindh only that is not implemented in other parts of the country.
While addressing Inspector General Sindh, Justice Khilji Arif remarked that it has become difficult for the children to go out of their houses and questioned about providing security to the common man.
He said that it is the responsibility of the government to provide protection to its people. He continued that the IG Sindh should roam in the city without his security squad and if he is afraid to do so, then he should resign. A policeman does not need security, instead protection should be provided to the masses, Justice Khilji said.
Justice Khilji said that the security squad personnel of the officers abuse common men.
Justice Sarmad Jalal Osmany questioned that under which law the vehicles having the Dubai number plates are roaming in the city. “All such owners should be issued notices,” he ordered.
He also mentioned about the blockade around the Bilawal House encompassing the entire road and remarked that what more is needed.
Justice Anwar Zaheer questioned that is not the area around Bilawal House a no-go area due to the barricades encroaching the road. The advocate general replied that it is important to take steps for the president’s protection.
“Then it’s better that the president should purchase that road,” remarked Justice Sarmad.
