ISLAMABAD, July 14: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to a Pakistan Muslim League-Q legislator and top officials of the Capital Development Authority and police in a petition challenging construction on a greenbelt in sector I-10/3.

Justice Mohammad Anwer Khan Kasi resumed hearing of the petition filed by Abu Ammar Sehri, a resident of I-10/3. Advocate Waqas Malik along with a panel of other lawyers appeared on behalf of the petitioner.

He alleged that MNA Amir Muqam, who is also a minister without portfolio, connived with the police and FC and built “concrete structures” on a five-kanal plot declared as greenbelt in the CDA's master plan. He said it was done “without any permission and previous sanction”.

The petition said the FC and police are constantly guarding the land, adding that when the matter was reported to the CDA chairman it resulted in “a cry in the wilderness”.

The counsel questioned how a land earmarked as greenbelt in the CDA's master plan for the past many years is given to a lawmaker without documentation.

He asked the court to direct CDA bosses to take back land from the legislator and initiate criminal proceedings against him without any delay.

After preliminary hearing, Justice Kasi issued notices to the legislator, CDA chairman and other officials and SSP Operations Islamabad and adjourned hearing. Dawn

Meanwhile, Mr Muqam told denied the land grabbing charge, saying he owned the land. “I am running a legitimate business in that area. My staff may have built some fences for security purpose.”

The legislator said the petitioner should have contacted him before approaching the court to avoid litigation. “Now I will face these allegations and defend myself in the court.”

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

ALTHOUGH dealing with the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan is a major political, security and strategic...
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...