ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday extended its order to seal Naval Sailing Club on Rawal Lake in the federal capital.
A single bench of Chief Justice Athar Minallah issued these orders, while hearing the petition filed by Zeenat Salim, challenging the construction of a building on the Rawal Lake, and denying access to the general public.
Advocate Qamar Afzal appeared on behalf of the Pakistan Naval Farms, while senior lawyer Ashtar Ausaf represented the Chief of Naval Staff. Justice Minallah said it seemed there was no rule of law in the country, as whichever application was taken up by the court showed that the law was only for the weak people. He further said the National Park and the environment of the city had been destroyed and the government machinery was used for it.
The chief justice observed that everyday a new petition was filed stating that law was not being implemented.
He added that the kiosks of poor people were demolished without giving notice to them. He also said if constructions of those who raise them illegally were demolished then no one would construct illegal buildings in the future.
The counsel for Naval Farms assured the court that its orders would not be violated. Justice Minallah remarked it would be an insult of uniform if they initiated contempt of court proceedings for violation of the court's orders.
The defense counsel, Ashtar prayed before the court that the service work in respect of boats be allowed by opening sailing centre.
The CJ said you would be allowed only to do repair work and deferred the case until second week of September.
The petitioner, Zeenat, filed the petition through her counsel Zainab Janjua and contended that Pakistan Navy had illegally constructed a building on the Rawal Lake and had denied access to the general public.
She asserted in the petition that the illegal occupation of land, construction of a building thereon, and denial of access to a public place was in violation of the Capital Development Authority Ordinance, 1960, and the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020