The National Highway Authority (NHA) has presented Pak-China corridor map in the Supreme Court (SC) during the hearing of Margalla hills tunnel construction and encroachments in national park case.
A three-member bench of SC presided over by Justice Jawwad S Khawaja took up the case for hearing Wednesday.
The apex court while adjourning the hearing of the case until April 24, 2015, has sought a reply from the interior secretary within 12 hours. The court demanded that it be told whether the area of National Park falls under Pakistan, and who has direct control of it otherwise? Who can be responsible for encroachment in this area?
Justice Jawwad S Khawaja remarked, “The court’s orders are being violated flagrantly. It seems from such matters that someone is being favoured. If a single stone has been extracted from the National Park it is a clear defiance of court’s orders. Those who are responsible for it will have to face the consequences. It should be shown to some sharp-eyed person that to what extent court’s order has been complied with. How can a six-lane tunnel be passed?
Justice Azmat Saeed remarked, “It looks very awkward that the CDA is taking action with regard to court’s orders on the pattern of an SHO. Does this territory not fall in Pakistan?
CDA presented the map during the course of the hearing and told the court that six lanes were to be passed but this work has now been stopped from Haripur.
The court inquired how such large tunnel could be passed as it is in breach of the court’s orders.
Gauhar Advocate who is associate advocate of Aitzaz Ahsan, counsel for owners of FECTO factory told the court he has filed an application seeking adjournment of the hearing as he is participating in joint session of parliament due to certain important matters.
Justice Jawwad remarked, “We respect him but this matter is also important. However, we are not conducting further hearing of the case due to his request.”
Law Officer Abdul Rauf said it would have to be decided with whom the responsibility rests.
Munir Paracha said the CDA is responsible to the extent of capital and the rest is responsibility of interior ministry.
The court while summoning the NHA chairperson on the next hearing has adjourned the hearing of the case.
