KARACHI: As a result of his comments against the anti-encroachment drive in the metropolis, Provincial Minister of Sindh for Local Government Saeed Ghani has issued a notice on Thursday for contempt of court.
Rejecting a report on illegal encroachments, the court held, “Why were the court’s orders not followed,” Justice Gulzar remarked. “This report is unsatisfactory and is equivalent to defrauding.” Senior government officials including the secretary defense were present during the hearing.
The judge was displeased with Karachi mayor’s and provincial minster’s remarks regarding the matter. He added, “Do they want to wage a war against the court,” the judge asked. “We will listen to everyone first and then decide where we want to send them.
The court also questioned the director-general of SBCA: “We had given orders to remove illegal settlements from the city, has any action been taken in this regard?”
The court further asked DG SBCA if he wants to go to prison straight from court.
The judge pointed out that buildings not following by-laws existed in Punjab Colony and Dehli Colony. Moreover, illegal parking spaces existed in Zainab Market along with the rest of the Saddar.
DG SBCA countered the observations which, the judge countered by adding, “I go to Saddar every day and see illegal parking there. When did you conduct a drive-in Saddar?” Justice Gulzar asked.
The judge has ordered a detailed probe including orders to view city plans since the 1950s. “We want to know when a commercial building was constructed and when was it commercialized and on whose orders,” the judge added.
The Karachi Court ordered in January to restore the city to its former conditions as it was 40 years ago. Ghani, on the contrary, had said it was not possible to demolish the residential buildings.
