- Civic authority says such matters come under govt’s jurisdiction
The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has told the Supreme Court (SC) that in terms of encroachment in residential areas, no notice has been issued to embassies and police.
A two-member bench of the SC, presided over by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja, took up the case for hearing on Monday.
The CDA further informed that these matters fall under the ambit of the government, not the CDA and all the duties are performed by agencies in these matters.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja has remarked that if the ulema, rich and poor, joined the race for money then a scourge will be sent down to the nation. He further questioned why the embassies and police were not bound by law. He also said that even the rich are helpless in the country, what could one say about the poor.
He further remarked that if the CDA cannot resolve these matters then it should issue one letter to all concerned and tell them that it cannot provide security to them.
Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani remarked, “If security agencies have so much reservations with regard to embassies then why they are not shifted to the diplomatic enclave. These hurdles have made the life of the common man miserable. We cannot allow such situation to prevail.”
CDA counsel S.A Rehman appeared and presented the report in the court. He informed that the CDA had issued notices to all institutions with respect to the barriers and encroachments that were being erected in the name of security. However, no such notices were issued to any embassies or the police.
The court expressed displeasure over it asking why the law is not binding on embassies and police personnel. As to why this distinction is being made, SA Rehman told the court “some embassies are poor. Plots have been provided to them but they could not carry out any construction on them.”
He told the court that security and other matters pertaining to the embassies rest with security agencies. Therefore, no one could interfere. Only the government can issue an order in such matters as some entities have private security facilities.
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja remarked that it is good thing that those who have money are engaging private security. However, no hurdle should be created for the common man in this regard. Thefts and robberies are not a new thing, as these have not been curbed even in civilized countries. “It goes beyond our comprehension that the court should do its job, or job of the government? Court cannot do every job, government should also do some job. What about the speedy justice that takes more than 25 years to deliver?” he said.
The petitioner told the court that people are facing problems in the wake of the Metrobus project. Barriers have been erected everywhere.
The court remarked that CDA had worked out a master plan, which included no public transport project. Due to which projects like the Metrobus have been started.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case until February 3, 2015, to review the report filed by the CDA.
