All illegal structures in Murree to be bulldozed

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Monday directed demolition of all illegal structures built in Murree and sought complete data on the owners who’d violated the building laws.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard a suo moto case of illegal constructions in the hill resort. The chief Justice warned the officials concerned of a strict action if they failed to ensure the demolition of all illegal structures.

During the course of hearing, the chief justice asked about the owners of all these illegal structures. To a query, deputy commissioner Rawalpindi informed the court that illegal constructions had been made since 2003. He said cases of illegal constructions were pending with different courts for adjudication, as the owners had taken stays. The chief justice directed the deputy commissioner to launch a massive drive by hiring bulldozers and cranes to demolish all illegal structures.

The chief justice recalled that he had seen the beauty of the Mall in his youth but now illegal structures had taken bloom off its beauty. The chief justice held the deputy commissioner responsible for the illegal constructions and directed him to resist political pressure and provide the court with accurate information about the people who were responsible for violating the law.

“If the inspection team appointed by the court found any violation of law then there will be consequences and the officials concerned would be taken to task”, warned the chief justice.

Meanwhile, the court also took notice of illegal marquees and marriage halls in the federal capital and directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to file a comprehensive report in this regard. The chief justice said he had directed the SC Human Rights Cell to get a report from the CDA and fix the matter day after tomorrow. Later, the court adjourned the hearing for today (Tuesday).