The Lahore High Court on Thursday issued a stay order over the construction of 136 illegal commercial and residential buildings inside the Walled City until February 17, 2015.
The court also directed the city administration to ensure that the orders were followed.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the orders while hearing petitions filed by Asif Ali Mirza, Abdul Razzaq and Judicial Activism Panel (a public interest litigation firm) against illegal constructions in the Walled City.
Earlier, the petitioner’s counsel arguing before the court submitted that the Walled City had historical significance. This was the main reason that the Walled City Authority (WCA) was created and the WCA was empowered to approve building plans and constructions to protect heritage in the area, he further submitted.
However, he maintained that the WCA had failed to exercise its powers as illegal constructions were being carried out in the Walled City. The counsel presented a list of 136 illegal buildings, which are currently under construction.
The counsel further said that the WCA did not have machinery and work force to take action against illegal constructions.
The court staying the illegal constructions issued notices to the administration.