–PM Imran’s counsel says regularisation fees for Bani Gala house too high
–Justice Nisar asks CDA to buy land in Bani Gala if it wants to develop new city there
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday remarked that the government lacks in capability and planning.
The CJP made these remarks as a three-member bench of the Supreme Court resumed hearing of a suo motu case regarding illegal constructions in the Bani Gala area in Islamabad.
The bench also emphasised that property regularisation fee must be paid.
Meanwhile, according to the additional attorney general, Prime Minister Imran Khan had submitted a request in addition to a map to regularise his Bani Gala house. The premier’s legal representative had argued that the charges imposed for regularisation were too high.
The additional attorney general also submitted a report to the apex court on Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) behalf. The report detailed Bani Gala from a 1960 map, showing a number of roads in zone 4 but in 1992 and 2010, amendments were made to the map. Furthermore, a number of private housing schemes were allowed to initiate constructions in parts of the zone.
CJP Nisar observed that in both zones 3 and 4, construction was allowed without a master plan.
“A large green area is still present and can be saved,” the additional attorney general informed the court. “Do you want to construct roads in this area?” the CJP remarked.
“The current government does not have any capabilities or planning,” he added.
“It is possible that you install underground electricity cables and you will need land for this since a Naya Pakistan is being made,” CJP Nisar observed.
“Land is needed for facilities in Bani Gala. If you want to develop the area under a plan then owners of private land will have to be compensated. Moreover, the existing owners will have to pay regularisation fee else their properties would be demolished,” the country’s top judge further remarked.
“If you want to make a new city then CDA should purchase land,” he said.
In response, a Survey General of Pakistan representative informed the court that “CDA and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) owe us Rs3.42 million”.
“CDA has granted approval for payment of dues and Punjab government also owes some money,” the additional attorney general answered.
The apex court ordered CDA to pay the dues to the Survey General of Pakistan within a month.
During the proceedings, the director general of environment informed the court that a copy of the judgement by the civil court in favour of environmental protection has not yet been received.
At this, notices to respondents were sent over the matter.
Hearing of the case was then adjourned till Nov 22.
