Operation against structures raised in violation of building by-laws or without getting approval from the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) continued for the second consecutive day on Monday. District Co-ordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Sajjad Bhutta supervised the operation at Ahad Towers in Garden Town, near Kalma Chowk, while the LDA's Chief Town Planner's team carried operation against Jeff Heights in E-2 Block of Gulberg.
The operation was launched in compliance with the order of the Supreme Court and the subsequent recommendations of the High-rise Commission set up by the apex court. While talking to newsmen, DCO Sajjad Bhutta said anti-encroachment drive against Ahad Plaza is a departmental action and is initiated on the orders of the Supreme Court. He also said five floors of the plaza, which is in volition of building by-laws, would be demolished. "An action would be taken against 20 officials involved in the illegal construction", he added.
Yusaf Ahad, PML-Q President and owner of the plaza also rushed to the spot and protested against the LDA's action. He told the newsmen that since the case is in the Supreme Court, no action could be taken against his plaza. He maintained that he is being victimised by the PML-N for his political affiliation with the PML-Q. It may be recalled that Ahad Towers owner Yousaf Ahad Malik had raised five additional floors and also covered an open space and built illegal projections, which was in violation of the building plan. Also, an additional floor was constructed at Big City near Liberty roundabout without getting approval from the LDA. Jeff Heights at plot No 77, E-2 Block of Gulberg III also had two illegal floors.