February 03, 2007	Saturday	Muharram 14, 1428

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LAHORE, Feb 2: A full bench of the Supreme Court directed the Punjab archaeology director general on Friday to prepare a report on encroachments near historical places in the city and elsewhere in Punjab.

The court directed the director general to conduct an independent survey and initiate action against those who had encroached upon or raised unauthorised constructions near protected buildings.

The bench headed by Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry issued the orders on a suo motu action against the construction of a plaza, which had damaged the historical walled city wall near Sheranwala Gate, Lahore. The court also directed the archaeology official to stop the construction forthwith.

The bench directed the director general to prepare the report with the assistance of the Lahore district coordination officer, besides ordering the Ravi Town nazim and Lahore police chief to ensure the implementation of the orders. The court also admonished the town nazim when he said that he was unaware of the construction of the plaza near the wall.

The court also directed the Punjab local bodies to ensure directions regarding safety of relics, which were issued in 2000 by the Punjab government to save the historical monuments.

Earlier, son of Haji Ishaq, owner of the plaza, informed the court that his father would not appear before the court as he had gone to perform Umra. He said that an application had been submitted for the approval of the building plan, but the city district government did not extend the approval despite taking bribe from them.