ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday while hearing the Bani Gala encroachments case directed State Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, who also heads the Capital Administration and Development Division, to take necessary steps to eradicate issues of pollution and water scarcity from the capital.
The Supreme Court had earlier taken suo motu notice of illegal construction in Bani Gala and deterioration of the environment due to unchecked waste disposal and encroachments.
The apex court, during the hearing, observed that Islamabad should be a model city for everyone, adding that there are encroachments even in posh sectors of the capital.
Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice (CJP) Saqib Nisar questioned Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on the measures taken by the government to counter the population explosion under way in the country.
Chaudhry informed the apex court that his government has been in power since 2013, whereas the settlements around Rawal Dam, which supplies water to the twin cities, have been around for centuries.
Moreover, during the hearing, with regards to the court’s earlier directions, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan submitted his Bani Gala estate’s building plans.
The court directed authorities to attest the building plans in one week and summoned the capital’s chief commissioner at the next hearing.
At the last hearing on Feb 13, the apex court had ordered the PTI chairman to submit the site plan of his 300-kanal estate.