LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday expressed concern over spending development budget by the caretaker government on Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and other posh areas of the city giving it two weeks to publicise details of all projects sanctioned by the previous elected government and the current interim set-up.

Justice Shahid Jamil Khan passed the order disposing of a petition challenging inordinate delay in providing funds for a project to improve sewerage system in localities adjacent to Saggian Road, Shahdara.

Notices were issued to the government seeking explanation regarding the delay in providing funds for the project commenced in 2018.

A counsel for the Wasa told the court that the budget had been allocated for the project in question. He undertook on behalf of the Wasa managing director that the development work shall be completed at the earliest.

Caretakers step to spend funds on DHA, posh localities displeases court

The judge expressed concern when the petitioner’s counsel pointed out that development budget was being expended by the caretaker government in posh areas of Lahore like DHA, which is otherwise an independent authority, ignoring the overpopulated and undeveloped areas of the city.

The counsel also argued that new development projects can only be identified by the elected government.

He said the interim government can only expend budget on the already determined and approved projects by an elected government.

In his written order, Justice Khan noted that the caretaker Punjab government was asked to submit details of the projects already sanctioned by the elected regime and projects initiated by the interim government.

However, the judge regretted that no detail had been produced before the court and compliance was being delayed on one pretext or the other.

The judge observed that under Article 19-A of the Constitution, it is a fundamental right of every citizen that information regarding spending and allocation of budget be made public.

Justice Khan ordered the chief secretary of Punjab to ensure that details of all previously sanctioned projects by the elected government and of those initiated by the caretakers be disseminated to the general public through electronic and print media within the next 15 days.

Published in Dawn, January 2nd, 2024