Karachi: SC extends deadline for removal of billboards

KARACHI:The Supreme Court extended its deadline to the administration for 3 more days to remove all illegal billboards around the city, on Friday.

According to details, the court has demanded action be taken on its directives and ordered the administration to submit a report on July 29. 

Proceedings pertaining to Karachi’s illegal billboards and hoardings case were conducted by the larger bench which was presided over by Justice Ameer Hani. During the hearing, DMCs of Cantonment board presented the report for the removal of billboards on which the court remarked “you have contributed most to the problem.”

"98% of illegal billboards around the city have been removed," the Additional Attorney General said during the hearing. Whereas Justice Ameer Hani asked him not to give any wrong statements as still there were many billboards around the city.

The bench added that they were in possession of pictures  which clearly showed the presence of billboards everywhere, especially from Shahrah-e-Faisal to Kala Pul.

Administrator KMC disclosed that the mentioned areas come under the limitations of Karachi Cantonment. The advocate for Karachi Cantonment stated that the billboards had been set up by the Army Welfare Trust. 

The bench stated that everyone was shifting the responsibility towards one another hence it was difficult for them to believe anyone in particular. The bench warned that the court would slap all parties to the case with a contempt of court charge. Further, the court stated that if action was not taken, then all DMC administrators, Cantonment Heads and Administrators would be responsible.