CDA to abrogate services of legal counsels

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to abrogate services of legal counsels causing delays in finalisation of cases.

A warning in this regard has been issued to CDA counsels through a circular it has been conveyed that if delay is caused by concerned counsel in filing the comments and replies despite receipt of the same from the concerned directorate, the services of such counsel will be abolished.

The circular has been issued by Director General Administration following directions of Member Administration.CDA Member Administration Mohammad Yasir Peerzada in this regard has said Law Directorate of CDA is being reformed to increase its utility for the authority. Performance of Law Directorate has direct impact on overall performance of the authority. “We expect shining days for Law Directorate in future,” he added.

It had been observed with great concern by competent authority that in various cases pending before the courts, tribunals, judicial and quasi-judicial forums requisite reports, replies and para-wise comments were not filed within stipulated time.

The delay in filling of replies or comments had led to issuance of restraining orders and as such the interests of the Authority were greatly compromised due to inefficiency or in some cases collision of the officials with litigant party. “ This did not only lead to huge financial loss but also caused serious embarrassment to the management and officials who were consequently directed by courts to appear in courts or appear in person to justify the delays,” the member said.

The competent Authority had taken very serious notice of the situation and had directed initiation of strict disciplinary proceedings against official found responsible for causing such unjustified delay.

Meanwhile, online Tax and Bill Payment System of Capital Development Authority has become operational.The CDA has introduced the service initially in collaboration with Muslim Commercial Bank (MCB). Online bill and tax payment service to consumers having accounts in other banks will also be available soon.

This modernistic facility will provide option to citizens of Islamabad to pay their CDA related bills and taxes online. Member Administration, CDA heralded the move to provide this contemporary facility for residents of Islamabad.

CDA Member Administration Muhammad Yasir Peerzad has said the present administration wants Islamabad to be competitive to modern capitals in field of technology and Information Technology based civic facilities. Online payment system is part and parcel of contemporary world. More technology and IT based solutions to civic issues are on the cords.

Capital Development Authority and Muslim Commercial Bank have already signed on MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) one and a half month ago in a ceremony held at Jinnah Convention Centre to this effect.

Although launching online payment system, CDA has recently taken many IT based steps to facilitate citizens of Islamabad. Islamabad City App has been launched. IT based responsive Complaint Management System is also fully operational now.