No new cement plant to be allowed near Katas Raj temples: CJP

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar observed on Friday that Supreme Court will not dismantle existing cement plants in the vicinity of Katas Raj Temples due to growing need of cement for China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects in the country. Resuming the hearing of a suo motu notice regarding the deteriorating condition of the Katas Raj Temples in Chakwal district and drying of its water pond due to illegal industrial activity, a three-judge bench led by CJP Mian Saqib Nisar said no new cement plant would be allowed in the area. He issued notices to cement factories which require extension in the existing plants and are interested to install new plants.
Expressing dismay over absence of chairman of Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Siddiqul Farooq in the case, the Chief Justice remarked evacuee property is being sold and bought at throwaway price which has nothing to do with the protection of the minority rights. Addressing Ramesh Kumar, head of the Pakistan Hindu Council and also a member of National Assembly, Chief Justice said why should not the apex court take over the ETPB. "Will you be part of our campaign?" Chief Justice asked Kumar who apprised the bench that in Israel, head of the ETPB is a member of the minority community to which Chief Justice said, "You are a legislator form the ruling party, why do you not try to amend the law? It is strong conviction of the court that Parliament is the supreme body. The court is not empowered to make a law. Do you think the apex court should do the job of a ruling party?"
CJP Mian Saqib Nisar categorically said, "Protecting the minority rights is our religious and constitutional duty so the court will resolve the minority issues in the country." He also asked Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and other minorities to approach the apex court for remedy of their issues, if any. Appearing in the matter before the bench, the lawyer Makhdoom Ali Khan alleged that the government seems to legalize its illegal acts by using the shoulder of the apex court. He cited the Reko Diq case, saying the apex court decided in that case but unfortunately the government failed to protect the court order at the international fora.
Khan submitted that the court should decide the matter in hand after due consideration as foreign direct investment is involved. He said such investors will invoke the apex court's jurisdiction in case of violation of their rights. Seeking a comprehensive report from ETPB about its property in the country, the court adjourned the hearing of the case for 20 days.