ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday sought a report from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) about all authorised or unauthorised marriage halls, marquees and event halls in the federal capital.

Through a letter, the apex court gave one week to the civic agency to furnish the report.

Hearing a case related to illegal constructions in Murree on Monday, a bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar observed that the court had taken notice of illegal marriage halls, marquees and other illegal construction in Islamabad.

Later, the human rights cell of the court wrote to the CDA seeking details about the marriage halls and marquees.

CDA told to submit details to apex court within a week

During the hearing of a case, the court was informed by an official that in the past illegal construction had taken place in Murree but at present there was a complete ban on such activities in the resort town.

The Punjab government in a report stated that there were 105 dangerous buildings as per a survey carried out by the communication and works department within the city area where construction had been banned prior to 2008.

So far 476 cases of building plans have been submitted by builders seeking approval, out of which 202 have been approved, 131 cases in litigation while 230 cases have been sent to the police for the registration of FIRs.

“The government of Punjab has made serious efforts to preserve the beauty of Murree Hills as it is manifested from the ban imposed from time to time and still in place,” stated the report.

Meanwhile, after receiving the Supreme Court letter on Monday, CDA officials started the process to collect information about illegal marriage halls and marquees.

An official of the CDA said the mushroom growth of illegal marquees and marriage halls had taken place in various parts of the capital.

“There are a number of illegal marquees in E-11, G-12 and other areas. Even on service roads along Islamabad Highway, there are a large number of illegal marriage halls and marquees,” said the official requesting not to be named. He said a marquee was even functioning at Lakeview Park.

He said some developers had constructed marriage halls and marquees on plots originally allotted for motels on Club Road.

“We are going to start a survey from Tuesday. I don’t think any marriage hall and marquee operator has taken permission from the CDA. May be one or two operators have got permission but the picture will be clear during the survey,” said Director Building Control Faisal Naeem.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2018