SC asks Sindh government to vacate Evacuee Trust's building of Lyari in a month

The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday sought the report about illegal constructions on Evacuee Trust properties in Lyari area while hearing the case pertaining to occupation of the Trust's building in the area.
At its Karachi Registry, SC bench headed by Justice Gulzar Ahmed expressed displeasure over non-vacation of Evacuee trust's building and directed the authorities concerned to submit details of the buildings which have been constructed on said properties, illegally.
The bench observed that Evacuee properties are being occupied under the nose of Sindh Building Control Authority (SCBA). "No one bothers if any one occupies any government land", Justice Gulzar remarked.
Addressing acting Advocate General Sindh Sarwar Khan, the court asked him what would happen if someone occupies Supreme Court building or Sindh Assembly building in the city. It also expressed dissatisfaction over the working of Police Department and observed such illegal activities are protected in connivance with police and other departments.
Justice Gulzar said the situation was deplorable as he pointed out that whole government machinery failed to vacate a government building proving it helpless against one individual.
The court also sought details of punitive actions against the officials of SCBA and Evacuee Trust for their failure to protect the government land. Acting Advocate General admitted negligence on part of SCBA and Police Department to vacate the occupied building and supported the punitive action against the concerned officials.
Justice Gulzar observed that government department had a hand in these illegal occupations and questioned what action has been taken against officials of SCBA.
Deputy Director Lyari wing of SCBA admitted in the court that Evacuee Trust properties were occupied in Lyari and stated that department was helpless to check the illegal occupations due to bad law and order situation in Lyari.
Court ordered to submit a report about the construction of illegal buildings in Lyari since 2015. Acting Advocate General sought the time about the submission of report due to engagements of Chief Secretary Sindh for preparations of general elections.
Court gave one-month time to Sindh Government to vacate the building of Evacuee Trust in Lyari and also directed to take punitive action against officials of SCBA and Evacuee Trust for their negligence pertaining to illegal occupation of the building.