PM applied for regularisation of Bani Gala land, apex court informed

0
307

–CJP dissatisfied with CDA over inaction against illegal construction

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Thursday was informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan has applied for the regularisation of his Bani Gala residence.

Additional Attorney General Nayyar Abbas Rizvi told the three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar that the PM has applied for regularisation of his Bani Gala properties.

He further shared that there was no drainage system in the streets of the Bani Gala area, nor was there any provision for earthquakes in the construction.

The bench resumed hearing the suo motu case against illegal constructions in the suburbs of Bani Gala.

The chief justice expressed his annoyance at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for allowing such constructions in the first place.

“Meting out justice isn’t just the duty of the courts; CDA should do something as well,” Justice Nisar remarked. “Where was CDA when these constructions were taking place?” he questioned.

The court has adjourned the hearing for 10 days.

During an earlier hearing, the chief justice had directed the prime minister to set an example for others by paying the fine for regularisation of his Bani Gala land, warning the premier that he will be summoned before the bench in case of non-compliance of court’s orders.

Following this, PM Khan’s lawyer Babar Awan had informed the court that the premier was ready to pay.

The top judge had reiterated that the prime minister should pay the regularisation fees, otherwise the court would give orders to the finance department to recover it.

“A leader should be an example,” the CJP had said.

Earlier, the SC had said that it was the job of the PTI government to regularise all properties in the area, including the residence of PM Khan.

The top court had ordered authorities to demolish all encroachments around Korang riverbed in the light of a report drafted by the Survey of Pakistan.