SC orders to seize Khokhar Palace in land grabbing case

0
397

–Justice Nisar remarks Khokhar brothers introduced land grabbing culture in country

LAHORE: The Supreme Court on Sunday ordered the Anti-Corruption Department director general to take control of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Afzal Nadeem Khokhar’s house.

The directives were made as Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar heard a suo motu case over the illegal occupation of land by Afzal Nadeem, Shafi and Saiful Malook Khokhar in the Lahore Registry of the apex court.

The Anti-Corruption Department director general was also directed to submit a report over the case within 10 days and register a case against the Khokhar brothers.

In December, Afzal Nadeem Khokhar was arrested for building his home, termed Khokhar Palace, by illegally occupying 34 marlas of land owned by a man identified as Tariq Mehmood.

“I won’t let the lawlessness prevail in Pakistan, we are breaking the nexus. Khokar Palace should be evicted. We can make an academic institution at the site,” the top judge remarked.

CJP Nisar observed that the Khokhar brothers introduced land grabbing culture in the country, adding that he is aware what they will do to him after he retires from the post.

The Anti-Corruption Department submitted a report to the top court, explaining that the Khokhar brothers had illegally occupied 40 kanals of land owned by the government. The report added that out of 10 individuals, payments were only made to a single person.

According to the report, pre-arrest bails have been obtained by both the accused. Further, the report mentioned that the accused believe that once the top judge retires, no action will be taken against them.