27 January 2004	Tuesday	04 Zilhaj 1424

ISLAMABAD, Jan 26: The federal information minister, Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, was accused of violating the court orders and CDA policy of opening schools in the residential areas.

Speaking at a Press conference here on Monday, Barrister Munawar Akhtar said the information minister had inaugurated a school in Sector F/6-2, which had earlier been sealed by the CDA after judicial orders.

He said a school was opened in March 2003 near his house in F-6/2. He said he along with residents of the area challenged the establishment of the school in the residential sector under CDA Ordinance and Residential Sector Zoning Regulation.

He said the court passed orders in favour of the residents. "But the owner of the school, in disregard of the court orders, broke the seals and arranged a function for the opening of the school." He said Sheikh Rashid Ahmad attended the function as the chief guest and performed the opening ceremony.

Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, however, denied the charges and said he had not violated any court orders. The minister said he was not aware of any litigation between the school administration and residents of the area.