PHC moved against steel mills management

PESHAWAR: The local government representatives and residents of Dargai-Kharki area in Malakand challenged in the Peshawar High Court the establishment of Ali Steel Mills/Mansha Steel Mills near the Children Hospital and Government Girls Primary School.

Muhammad Sufaid, Union Council Nazim, Mukarram Shah, Village Council Nazim and 24 others including lawyers, councillors and members Dispute Resolution Council filed the writ petition through their lawyers Javed Ali Ghani and Akhunzada Asad Iqbal.

The petitioners claimed that the steel mills had been established close to Children Hospital, Government Girls High School No.2, Government Girls Primary School and Government Primary School in Dargai-Kharki area.

The inhabitants claimed that the district administration, Environmental Protection Agency and high court had directed the management of the steel mills to stop production until installation of high quality filtration mechanism to control pollution.

They submitted that despite strict directions by the authorities concerned and high court, no measures were taken to overcome pollution.

The inhabitants prayed the court to direct the government and management of the mills to shift to industrial zone area from the populated and residential area.

They requested the court to order the respondents to carry out monthly inspection of the industrial units regarding pollution and ensure the safety of human lives.