CS reply sought in Bab-i-Pakistan project case

LAHORE

The Lahore High Court on Wednesday sought a reply from the Punjab chief secretary about inordinate delay in completion of Bab-i-Pakistan project.

A division bench headed by Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh was hearing an intra-court appeal filed by Punjab opposition leader Mian Mahmoodur Rasheed challenging modifications in the design and delay in construction of the national monument which was to be built to commemorate sacrifices of the refugees in 1947.

During the hearing, the bench expressed concern over a delay of 27-year in construction of Bab-i-Pakistan project.

Representing the petitioner, Advocate Sheraz Zaka said that after a delay of 27-year now the master plan had been altered and the whole essence of the project had been lost in violation of Antiquities Act.

He said that for the past eight months the provincial and local governments had been failed to submit their replies to the court.

The bench directed the chief secretary to submit a reply on the matter by April 5. The judges observed that since it was a public interest litigation, the petitioner was justified to the extent that 28 years had elapsed and yet the national monument was not completed after spending RS 1450 million.

custody: An Additional District and Sessions Court on Wednesday handed over a minor girl to her mother after getting her recovered from the illegal custody of father.

Hameedan Bibi, a resident of Islampura filed a habeas corpus petition in the court alleging that her husband Arif had detained her three-year old daughter Minal Fatima. She said her husband kicked her out from his house after a domestic quarrel and didn’t allow her to bring her daughter with her. She implored the court for the recovery of her daughter.

On her plea, the court appointed a bailiff who raided the house of Arif located in Mozang and found minor girl there. The bailiff produced the girl before the court from where she was handed over to her mother.

Notices: An Additional District and Sessions court on Wednesday issued show cause notices against police officials of Wafaqi Police station for not complying with the court orders. The court had summoned constables, including Arshad, Ilyas and Hamid to appear before the court and record their statement as a prosecution witness in a dacoity case pending before the court. However, they didn’t bother to comply with the court orders.

This forced the judge to issue show cause notices against them. The court has directed the constables to appear before the court and record their statements; otherwise, stern action would be taken against them.