Daily Times

The Supreme Court on Saturday directed the Interior Ministry to place the names of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Member of National Assembly (MNA) Afzal Khokhar and Member of Provincial Assembly Saiful Malook on the Exit Control List (ECL).

Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, who headed a bench of the apex court, gave this direction while hearing a case pertaining to illegal construction.

The bench summoned details of the assets of both the PML-N leaders and directed the authorities to raze illegal structures erected by them. MNA Afzal Khokhar said the properties they owned were legal and constructed as per maps.

At this, the chief justice remarked he was well aware of such maps, adding that he can order their cancellation.

“You are endangering your membership of the National Assembly by telling a lie,” he warned the lawmaker and added, “We have to get rid of these encroachments. It is better if you give the grabbed property back to the widows and overseas Pakistanis. If the grabbing is proven, I won’t spare you. Everyone knows I do what I say. It’s better if you don’t take risk of your MPAship.”

Any encroachment on the land owned by overseas Pakistanis, orphans or widows is unacceptable, he asserted.

The chief justice asked Khokar brothers their relationship with property dealer Ashraf Shah. Both the respondents denied knowing him.

The hearing was subsequently adjourned until December 22.

The CJP directed the Cantonment Superintendent of Police to hold an open public forum at Township to hear people’s complaints.

Former Lahore Development Authority (LDA) Director General (DG) Ahmed Cheema appeared in court in a housing scheme case.

Billions of rupees were spent, but the people have yet to receive their lands, the CJ said.

“Where should the people go?”

LDA DG Ahmed Cheema remarked that the construction process was transparent.

“The people didn’t get their land and you sent files,” said Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

“Bhakki Power Plant was set up after LDA,” Ahmed Cheema told the court.

“Why were Rs 1 million taken for that?” the top judge asked and ordered for Cheema’s properties to be seized.

The top judge said that he is disappointed as all these people will be released soon.

The court sent notices to four provinces in the Patwar circle case.

“Patwaris are the country’s biggest cancer,” CJP Saqib Nisar said. “The government needs to solve this problem,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, December 16^th 2018.