WCLA summoned over illegal constructions

LAHORE
The Lahore High Court on Thursday summoned authorities of Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA), along with complete record of illegal constructions being carried out in the area.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing a petition against construction of multi-storey commercial buildings inside the Walled City in violation of a stay order.
Petitioner’s counsel told the court that the construction of illegal buildings was not stopped even after stay order given by the court. He said the construction of high-rise buildings was rampant inside Walled City in violation of the settled rules and laws. He said the court, in its April 11, 2014 order, directed the authorities concerned to take action against the illegal construction.
However, he said, the respondents failed to comply with the order. He pleaded that the haphazard and illegal construction and commercial activities within the Walled City was illegal, unconstitutional. He asked the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the authorities for not stopping commercial activities and construction of multi-storey buildings inside the Walled City. The judge summoned the WCLA high officials on Friday (today) at 3pm.
Meanwhile, Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza on Thursday sought reply from the Punjab Environment Protection Department and Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on a petition challenging construction of a parking plaza on a famous Doongi Ground of Gulberg (MM Alam Road) allegedly in violation of the rules.
The petitioner stated that the authorities concerned had not obtained Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) approval from the Environment Protection Department for the project. The judge directed the respondents to submit replies by April 2.
Dismissed: A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition seeking opening of all shrines in Punjab round-the-clock.
Rana Muhammad Attique filed the petition and pleaded that the shrines should be kept opened for 24 hours in order to facilitate devotees who come from remote areas. He pointed out that a notification issued by Auqaf Department about closure of shrines after Isha prayers was annulled by the Lahore High Court. However, he said, the authorities had been continuously flouting court’s order and visitors were not being allowed to visit shrines at nights. Later, the LHC had dismissed his appeal for the implementation of the previous order. The petitioner asked the apex court to direct the respondents to ensure implementation of the order and keep the shrines opened round the clock. The government’s counsel told the bench that the shrines could not be kept opened round-the-clock due to security reasons.
Plea: The Lahore High Court on Thursday admitted for regular hearing a petition seeking directives to construct a wall around a drain at Green Town Main Boulevard.
Justice Mirza Waqas issued notices to the respondents for March 25 for their reply. Petitioner Razia Sultana had filed the petition submitting that the Punjab government constructed the Green Town Main Boulevard at a cost Rs 100 million. She said no wall was constructed around the drain due to which the incidents of falling of vehicles into the drain had increased.