SC seeks suggestions on removal of encroachments, resettlement of katchi abadis

The Supreme Court Friday sought the recommendations about removal of encroachments, resettlement of Katchi Abadis and rehabilitation of their victims after showing anger over the inability of government functionaries to act against the illegal constructions in the metropolis.

At Karachi Registry, a three-member of SC headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Faisal Arab and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah came down hard on federal, provincial and city governments and their departments for their failure to check illegal constructions and encroachments in the city.

"All governments failed to play their due part to resolve the problems, which have become chronic," the bench observed while taking up the hearing of the case related to removal of encroachments in Karachi.

The SC bench ordered to demolish the illegal constructions in Punjab Colony, Delhi Colony, PNT Colony as well as at Gizri Road.

The court reprimanded Cantonment Board officials over encroachment and illegal construction in Punjab and Delhi Colony and questioned how this construction was allowed to go unchecked.

Cantonment Board officials told the court that they demolished various structures, at which CJP replied that he know the ground reality.

Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan told the bench quarters for federal government employees are located in PNT Colony and assured that illegal constructions would be razed. Bench ordered for removal of the illegal constructions in PNT Colony.

The court also issued directives for removal of Katchi Abadis in Lines Area of Karachi and residents shifted to multi-storey buildings.

Attorney General told the court that federal government can coordinate with Sindh Government and Cantonment Board to devise a plan for it.

The court asked Advocate General Sindh about the legislation for this issue. "Why don't you legislate? Or court has to do this thing", Justice Gulzar observed.

The court stated that it would not constitute any commission or committee and addressing AG Sindh said that you can do to correct the chaotic situation in Karachi.

Justice Sajjad Ali Shah observed that things would not improve unless the relevant departments play their part properly

Court also asked AG Sindh to legislate to rehabilitate those who according to him were removed from railway track.

The court inquired about the committee of city planners, at which Chief Secretary Sindh replies that a committee of experts have started working. The recommendations of this committee have been sent to provincial cabinet, he submitted before the court.

The court sought the recommendations for removal of encroachments, resettlement of Katchi Abadis and rehabilitation of victims and also ordered to seek the recommendations from experts through media.

The court also questioned that what would happen if federal government released the amount of Rs 100 billion it owes to Sindh Government. "Not a single penny was spent out of Rs 105 billion given in the past," the bench observed.

The court ruled that it would take up the recommendations of Sindh Government regarding redesigning of Karachi as per its earlier order in the next hearing of the case when AG Sindh assured that constructive suggestions would come out from the committee of experts.