MURREE: The ban imposed in Murree on all types of construction nine years ago was dismissed by the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi bench on Wednesday.

Justice M. Farrukh Irfan Khan and Justice Shahid Mobeen declared the ban on construction in Murree City by the Punjab government a violation of basic human rights and nullified the notification of the secretary local government, Punjab.

The two-member bench also dismissed an appeal made by the Punjab government against an order made a year ago by Justice Abadur Rehman Lodhi of LHC Rawalpindi Bench for lifting the ban on construction and said the appeal is not maintainable.

In his decision, Justice Lodi had said a ban on construction on one’s own land is a violation of basic human rights.

Nine years ago, the provincial government had imposed a ban on all kinds of construction in Murree, which was not effective as influential people, allegedly in connivance with officers of the Town Municipal Administration (TMA) and with political support, were able to construct a number of high rise commercial buildings.

However, common citizens could not build anything on their land.

A large number of buildings were declared dangerous and not suitable for human dwelling. Notices were issued to owners of buildings and they were asked to demolish them. Many of the buildings were demolished but the TMA did not allow their owners to conduct repair work.

The ban also cost the TMA millions of rupees in building map fees and other dues related to construction.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2017