Karachi: The Supreme Court has ordered to submit a report in the next 2 months after the completion of both phases on the application to ensure the implementation of Gujjar, Orangi and Mehmoodabad Nalla victims rehabilitation.
A two-member bench consisting of Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Irfan Saadat Khan held a hearing on the application to ensure the implementation of the rehabilitation of Gujjar, Orangi and Mahmoodabad nullah victims. Chief Secretary Sindh, Advocate General Sindh, Commissioner Karachi along with Deputy Commissioners and others appeared.
The court asked the parties what progress had been made so far. Advocate General Sindh stated that we have written a letter to Pakistan Engineering Council. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked that we want an official from each department to be a representative in this matter. We want to ensure that there is no dispute over land allotment and money later.
The court inquired whether the victims wanted to be a representative. The court told the lawyer of the victims in a dialogue that you should do it so that you become a representative. The petitioner in the case is the head of a civic organization.
Advocate Faisal Siddiqui further said that whatever the court will decide, we agree. We say that any estimate made by the Pakistan Engineering Council will be accepted by us. We suggest that the head of the citizen’s organization should be included in the consultation with the PEC.
Justice Mohammad Ali Mazhar remarked that we would say that in the first phase, let the estimate of PEC come. If you have any objection, you should approach the court again. The lawyer of the victims took the stand that the matter is reaching completion because of the court. We are confident that matters will be resolved amicably.
On this occasion, the representatives of Gujarnala victims also appeared in the court and they said that we were not included in the list of these victims.
The court inquired from the Advocate General Sindh as to how they were left out of your list. These people should also be included in the victims. Have these people received checks in your information? Advocate General Sindh stated that if they do not get the money, these people can contact the Commissioner’s office.
The court asked the officers that look at this matter, their names are included in the list of 6932 people, you do not know. The lawyer of the victims stated that we are asking that the work of providing alternatives to those whose names have been finalized in the first phase should be started.
Representative Gujjar Nala victims Arif Shah said that the tenth meeting of PECI was held in February when the demolition was going on which was completed in July, but these victims were not included in 6932 while the Supreme Court had ordered in the August 17 verdict. Then, when these victims went to collect the check, their names were not being shown. On which Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar said that we did not lock it.
Representative Gujarnala victims showed the court the lists of support inquiries sent by the government agencies to the MC and said that the victims are being pushed daily, what will happen to them if the accounting remains at 6932. The court remarked that these matters do not appear to be correct.
The lawyer of the victims complained that we say that a process should be started and then the remaining ones should also be seen. The court remarked that you should finalize the matter.
Advocate General Sindh gave a stand and said that we have made an estimate for the house consisting of 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, yard and terrace. The 80 yard space has a similar construction. The court remarked that we cannot leave everything to the PEC.
During the hearing, the Advocate General and the lawyer of the victims had a bitter exchange. Advocate General stated that the victim advocates are trying to prolong the matter unnecessarily, all matters have been decided in the cabinet.
During the hearing, the representatives of the victims also tried to speak in the court proceedings, on which Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar dismissed them. The court expressed indignation and remarked that your lawyer is talking, if you don’t want to settle the matter, sit back.
The court remarked that now you people are not ready for this, tomorrow they will say that Ground Plus 2 will be made. Then they will say put the lift.
Advocate General Sindh stated that we have come to resolve the matter in the court but the lawyers of the victims have come to disturb the people. We want to listen to the PEC for the estimate, if they say 25 lakh is the estimate, we will accept it.
The court told the parties in a dialogue that you want to deal with the matter here or not. The court ordered that after 3 weeks, steps should be taken to implement and rehabilitate the victims in another 2 weeks. The court ordered the PEC to resolve the matter within 3 weeks.
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