PHC seeks explanation from PDA chief for violating order

PESHAWAR: Suspending the order of the Peshawar Development Authority (PDA) director general on initiating an inquiry against Building Control Agency director, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Friday sought an explanation from the official as to why he acted against the petitioner in violation of the court’s order.

A division bench comprising Justice Nisar Hussain Khan and Justice Waqar Ahmad Seth suspended the inquiry proceedings against the Building Control Agency Director Khan Afzal Afridi and directed the DG PDA and inquiry committee members to submit a reply before the next hearing.

The court issued the direction in an application of director Khan Afzal Afridi, who submitted that despite the stay order, the DG PDA had started an inquiry against him and asked him to appear before inquiry committee on July 15 otherwise he would be dismissed from service. Counsel for the petitioner, Khalid Anwar, submitted before the bench that the DG PDA had started victimisation of Khan Afzal when he started implementation of buildings bylaws and removal of encroachments in Peshawar irrespective of any political pressure.

The lawyer submitted that the director, being the chairman of Special Power Committee of the PDA, along with DC Peshawar removed encroachments from Hayatabad up to the Hazarkhwani bazaar.

He said that when he started demolishing commercial plaza of Member Provincial AssemblyFazal Elahi on the Kohat Road, the PDA chief through his personal secretary asked him not to demolish the encroached part of the plaza.

Furthermore, he submitted that the petitioner also issued notices to the Excise and Taxation and stopped construction of its plaza in violation of building bylaws and other plazas in the city. He submitted that the PDA then removed the petitioner from the post of director Building Control Agency and also removed him as chairman Special Power Committee.