Daily Times

KARACHI: Supreme Court (SC) turned down request of Sindh government to stop anti encroachment drive in the metropolis.

A three- member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar after hearing a petition against ongoing anti-encroachment drive in Karachi at Karachi Registry remarked, “We want to make Karachi better but your vested interests are creating hurdles.”

An anti-encroachment drive is being carried out on directives of SC and Karachi mayor Waseem Akhtar, in coordination with Karachi administration and civic entities, is heading the drive.

SC directed Sindh government to resolve matter with civil administration and take appropriate steps for rehabilitation of affected people.

During the hearing, Chief Justice remarked, “We had asked for Empress Market to be made into a model. The work was initiated by Karachi Mayor.” “The order to clear footpaths and roads was clear. There was chaos following our order but we cannot end writ of state if people start protesting. Should we leave these encroachers? People have illegally occupied official residences,” he added.

On this, Sindh Advocate General requested the court to bar Karachi mayor from carrying out anti-encroachment drive for four weeks. “The mayor is speedily razing encroachments,” he added. However, CJP remarked, “Why should we stop him? You both should sit together and decide.”

The court then sought a report from Karachi Mayor on anti-encroachment drive today (Wednesday). Talking to journalists after the court hearing, Mayor Waseem Akhtar said that Court had given time to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), federal and Sindh government to sit together and submit a report by 8:30 am on Wednesday.

Published in Daily Times, December 12^th 2018.