KARACHI: The apex court on Friday directed the Karachi commissioner to ensure that the foundation of the Tejori Heights building and debris were removed within 20 days.

A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed said that the land would remain in the possession of the commissioner.

Main Raza Rabbani, lawyer for the builders, informed the bench that all constructions had been demolished by the builders themselves, adding that they were in the process of compensating some 99 allotttees.

However, he said that the debris was lying for which he requested for more time. The bench allowed 20 days, but pointed out after examining the pictures attached with a report that the foundation/basement of the building had not been demolished as yet.

The counsel assured the bench that the same would also be completely removed.

The bench also directed the commissioner to ensure that all the structure of the building as well as debris must be cleared within the stipulated period.

The demolished building was located near the abandoned Gilani railway station of the Karachi Circular Railway in Block 13-D, Gulshan-i-Iqbal. The Pakistan Railways had claimed that the subject land was allotted for the KCR but it was encroached upon by the builders.

Last month, the Supreme Court had ordered the demolition of the under-construction multi-storey building after the builders failed to establish the ownership of the land.

Published in Dawn, November 27th, 2021