ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday sought written reply from the federation in a petition regarding powers of local government’s representatives including Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) Mayor till March 20.

Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani conducted the hearing on a petition moved by MCI Mayor Sheikh Anser Aziz.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Capital Development Authority (CDA) Ali Nawaz Awan and Chief Commissioner and CDA Chairman Aamer Ahmed Ali appeared before the court.

During the course of proceeding, Ali Nawaz, who was also the chairman of Local Government Commission (LGC), informed the court that a committee had been constituted to address the MCI issues.

To a query by the bench, the CDA chairman said it was the responsibility of the MCI to collect taxes from the federal capital. However, the ICT administration was collecting taxes.

The CDA chairman pleaded before the bench that his department had given Rs19 billion loan to the MCI so far, adding the CDA was also paying MCI’s employees salaries.

He said The ICT administration had collected revenue more than its target which would be used for the development of the capital.

The chief commissioner said they were planning to set up new departments including food authority. The CDA and ICT administration had nothing to do with the MCI affairs.

The bench sought detailed written reply from the federal government regarding the powers of local government representatives and adjourned the hearing.

The court, however, maintained its stay orders against suspension of MCI mayor and utilization of local body funds by the representatives.

IHC seeks report from CDA

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) also sought a report from Capital Development Authority (CDA) about the practice of cutting trees in Islamabad.

Justice Mohsin Akther Kiyani, hearing the case, directed the CDA to provide details about trees that have been cut in various areas and action taken by the environment wing of the civic body.

According to the petitioner’s plea, a large number of trees were cut down before the construction of interchanges in I-8, Sohan, Khanna and Koral till 2015.

Those trees have still not been auctioned by the CDA as a result of which 24,000 ft of wood has become rusty.

The petitioner urged the court to take action against officers for alleged ignorance.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2020