- SC gives two weeks time to remove barricades from federal capital in illegal encroachments case
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered removing hurdles and encroachments from residential areas of Islamabad within two weeks.
A two-member SC bench presided over by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja took up the case for hearing Monday.
The court has further ordered that security agencies should obtain permission for erecting barriers. “The security of intelligence agencies be not abolished and those be provided security which need it and this process be regularised.”
During the hearing, Justice Khawaja remarked, “It was heard that we had got independence in 1946 and Britons had quit. But the slavery has not gone out of our minds. Foreign embassies have raised hurdles. Can our embassies do so in other countries? Erecting hurdles in residential areas can not be allowed. People are facing difficulties due to these hurdles. All unnecessary hurdles be removed.”
Moreover, Justice Azmat Saeed remarked, “The court has not said this that protection be provided to public property. The court should not be blamed for removing intelligence agencies’ security. Security of sensitive areas be not abolished. It is tragedy that CDA does no job unless court issues orders. When will these problems be resolved?”
Capital Development Authority (CDA)’s counsel SA Rehman presented report that 81 out of 90 hurdles have been removed and work is underway on nine hurdles.
“Around 18 out of 87 hurdles have been removed in residential areas. These were such encroachments which were causing inconvenience to citizens. Hurdles have not been removed in front of intelligence institutions. Notices have been issued to 19 embassies through foreign office for removing hurdles and encroachments. We have talked to authorities which have assured that all the matters will be addressed within 15 days. CDA is doing its job. More time may please be given,” he pleaded.
Justice Saeed remarked, “Court’s shoulders be not used to fire the gun. Security of intelligence agencies should be maintained.”
Justice Khawaja observed, “It is not known when we will correct the matters. No strategy has been evolved in terms of security.”
The court ordered that CDA should frame rules after reviewing places of worship and sensitive areas. While allowing two weeks time, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till February, 24.
