Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: A five-member Supreme Court of Pakistan (SC) bench on Thursday observed that damage to even a single historical building due to the Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) project will not be tolerated.

The bench, comprising of Justice Ejaz Afzal, Justice Sheikh Azmat, Justice Maqbool Baqar, Justice Ijazul Ahsan and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, is hearing four separate, but identical, petitions moved by the Punjab government, the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), the Punjab Mass Transit Authority (PMTA), and the National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak), against the August 19th order of the Lahore High Court (LHC) to suspend construction work on the OLMT.

On Thursday, Asma Jahangir, counsel for a citizen’s organisation, argued before the bench. “Allaying fears over the project is the government’s job. We don’t have to go for any deal. The Punjab government could not understand the importance of historical heritage. People are not even allowed to park a tonga within 200 feet of historical buildings, but a no objection certificate (NOC) has been issued for building a metro train there,” she pointed out.

“Lahoris are proud of their historical heritage. Due to the concrete pillars of the train track, the beauty of historical buildings will be eclipsed. Once a historical heritage is lost, it cannot be regained,” she warned.

Justice Maqbool Baqir stated that historical heritage was the property of the country’s people. “It is not a case of give and take. We will review every aspect of the case. We will reach a conclusion after looking into all the aspects. We will review all legal aspects for the dispensation of justice,” he affirmed.

Justice Sheikh Azmat said that a historical building had also been destroyed when the Panorama shopping centre had been constructed. “However, it doesn’t mean that the remaining buildings will also be destroyed”.

Meanwhile, Justice Ejaz Afzal remarked that every possible effort should be made to protect national heritage.

“We are here today, but we will not be here tomorrow. We have to save our national heritage for the sake of future generations. Eleven historical sites will be affected by the project,” Asma Jahangir stated.

Justice Sheikh Azmat remarked damage to even a single historical building was intolerable. “There is no dispute over the protection of historical heritage,” he assured.

The hearing will resume today (Friday).