SC orders to immediately raze Nasla Tower
SC orders to immediately raze Nasla Tower!
The Supreme Court has ordered the Karachi commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon to raze the Nasla Tower and submit a report in this regard by noon today,
Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed came down hard on the Karachi commissioner as he submitted the demolition report on Karachi’s Nasla Tower.
The hearing of the case was held at the SC Karachi Registry.
A larger bench headed by the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Gulzar Ahmed asked the Karachi commissioner to leave his post if he is unable to perform.
The apex court also sought the progress report regarding the demolition of the Tejori Heights.
CJP admonished the city commissioner for adopting delaying tactics.
“How many buildings have been demolished? How much work has been done? Tell us,” CJP Ahmed questioned Karachi commissioner.
The commissioner informed the court that authorities have started the operation to demolish Nasla Tower.
“Do not lie,” the CJP responded angrily.
“Sir, please listen to me,” the Karachi commissioner started.
“Are you in your home right now? Is this the way to speak in court?” asked Justice Qazi Amin. “Do not try to act smart,” he warned the commissioner.
“Sir, I am trying to demolish the building,” responded the commissioner.
The CJP then asked the advocate-general what grade the Karachi commissioner falls under.
“He is a grade-21 officer,” responded the advocate-general.
“Is this the way a grade-21 officer speaks in court?” asked CJP Ahmed.
“Sir, I am trying to make you understand,” stated the commissioner.
“Stop trying. You will go straight to jail from here,” the CJP warned. “We are understanding [the situation] but you aren’t. You are only passing the time,” he said.
The chief justice then remarked that authorities have not even brought down the Tijori Heights building.
“The demolition process of Tijori Heights is underway,” responded the commissioner.
“If the operation is underway, submit a report on it by afternoon, with pictures [as evidence],” replied the chief justice.
“We will send you straight to the jail,” remarked CJP while hearing the Nasla Tower demolition implementation case.
Justice Gulzar asked the advocate general of Sindh “Is he eligible to become commissioner Karachi.”
After being heavily criticized by the apex court, commissioner Karachi apologized to the larger bench hearing the case.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed issued the orders while hearing a number of cases on Karachi’s civic issues.
The bench will take up the cases at the apex court’s Karachi registry till Friday.
