Karachi: The Supreme Court has asked the Pakistan Engineering Council to estimate the construction of an 80-yard plot on the rehabilitation of Orangi Nala, Mahmoodabad Nala and Gujjar Nala victims and on the contempt of court petition against the Sindh Chief Minister and to appear to the Chief Secretary Sindh at the next hearing. Ordered.
A two-member bench consisting of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan heard the contempt of court petition against the Sindh Chief Minister for rehabilitation of Orangi Nala, Mahmoodabad Nala and Gujjar Nala victims at the Supreme Court Karachi Registry.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar questioned the lawyers of the victims as to why the protest, slogans and noise outside the registry. Summary approved Checks distributed. We are hearing the case on priorities. The lawyers argued that the checks have been distributed, only the matter of the plot remains.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that the chief minister had approved the summary before leaving. The public prosecutor stated that the court decision is being implemented.
The court was upset over the absence of Advocate General Sindh and remarked that such an important issue is where is your Advocate General Sindh. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said that should we call the Chief Minister now. Call Chief Secretary and Advocate General Sindh by 11 pm. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that how much the court order was implemented?
Sindh government’s lawyer stated that the court order is being implemented. Pakistan Engineering Council has not yet submitted its report. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar strongly remarked that if he did not give a satisfactory answer to the matter, then he would also call the Chief Minister. Why is Mayor Karachi absent?
The government lawyer stated that there was no need for the presence of Mayor Karachi, the relevant department personnel are present here. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked on this and said that it is also the job of Mayor Karachi for the rehabilitation of people.
The Sindh government has submitted the implementation report to the court. The report said that it is planned to provide 80 yard houses to 6 thousand 930 victims and a check of Rs 10 lakh per person will be given to the victims.
Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Advocate General Sindh and Secretary Local Government appeared on the court order. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that there was only one problem, the construction estimate was not approved by the Pakistan Engineering Council. Chief Secretary said that according to our estimate, the construction cost of 80 yards plot is 1 million.
The lawyer of the victims stated that the Sindh government has made an estimate of the construction from its consultant. The court had asked Pakistan Engineering Council to estimate the construction. According to our calculations, Rs. 25 lakhs is the construction amount.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that that is why we had asked the Pakistan Engineering Council to estimate the construction. The lawyer of the victims stated that we have made an estimate of construction from Pakistan Engineering Council which is 37 lakh rupees.
The Chief Secretary said that a 2-room house is being built for 3 lakhs in the houses where the flood victims are living. The Sindh Cabinet is having a meeting today. The issue of construction money will be kept there.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that this is why we had told the Pakistan Engineering Council in the decision, there was no need to hire a consultant, Pakistan Engineering Council should have been sent. Everyone has confidence in Pakistan Engineering Council. This is your city, you have to settle it.
The Chief Secretary said that it was a decision of the Cabinet. There is a cabinet meeting today, I will take this matter there. Justice Muhammad Ali Mutahar remarked that if this is a problem, we will summon everyone including the Chief Minister of Sindh.
On this, Advocate General Sindh Hasan Akbar stated that we will take this matter to the cabinet and submit a report to the court on Monday.
Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that you will give us a timeline as to where the plots will be given. You will also give other details including allotment order. We can do this for you by doing it in installments. Submit construction estimate after approval from Pakistan Engineering Council. The Engineering Council may give an estimate of 9 lakhs.
The Chief Secretary said that according to our estimate, the construction cost of an 80-yard plot is Rs 10 lakh. The court ordered that the Pakistan Engineering Council prepare a construction estimate and submit a report on April 8.
The court ordered the Pakistan Engineering Council to estimate the construction of the 80-yard plot and ordered Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah to appear at the next hearing.
Protest of Nala victims outside the Supreme Court
The victims of Gujjar, Mehmoodabad and Orangi Nala protested outside the Supreme Court Karachi Registry. The protesters were carrying placards and banners. The victims demanded justice from the Supreme Court of Pakistan and said that they had promised to give a house for a house 4 years ago. Despite promises and claims, we have not yet been provided with a house.
The victims chanted slogans, “Keep our promise, pay our right, our house, our roof, take our house.” Strict security arrangements were made on this occasion.
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