LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday sought a reply from the District Coordination Officer, Lahore Development Authority and the Director General of Lahore Walled City Authority (LWCA) on a petition seeking contempt proceedings against the authorities for not taking action against illegal construction of multi-storey buildings inside the walled city.

Asif Ali Mirza, a resident of Kashmiri Gate, submitted in his petition that the construction of high-rise buildings was rampant inside the walled city in violation of the settled rules and laws.

He said the court in its April 11, 2014 order had directed the respondent authorities to take action against the illegal construction, but respondents had not complied with the order.

He pleaded that the haphazard and illegal construction and commercial activities within the walled city of Lahore were illegal and unconstitutional.

He asked the court to initiate contempt proceedings against the authorities for not stopping commercial activities and the construction of high-rise buildings inside the walled city.

Justice Ayesha A. Malik adjourned the hearing for next week and directed the respondents to explain their status in the case.

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2014