LAHORE, Dec 30 Provincial law minister has criticised Punjab governor for acting “unconstitutionally” and “illegally”, creating confusion among the masses about the ongoing drive to demolish illegal structures and accused him of committing contempt of court as the buildings were being razed on Supreme Court orders.

Rana Sanaullah Khan said the governor, under Article 131, could have got information about demolition process from the provincial government instead of visiting the sites where illegal structures were being knocked down.

Speaking at a press conference here on Wednesday, he said after the apex court vacated the stay orders (got by plaza owners), the provincial government was bound to implement recommendations of the Justice (retired) Kiayani Commission instituted under the court orders.

He dispelled the impression given by the governor's statement that through the demolitions the city was being converted into a graveyard and that this would deter investors besides hitting the common man.

The minister said presently action was being taken only against 20 plazas, of these 12 falling under Lahore Development Authority and eight in city district government areas. Out of them, five were being completely demolished for committing “non-compoundable crimes”, he added.

The commission had recommended action against 724 buildings in LDA commanded area and 474 in CDGL area, of these 150 and 147, respectively, were required to be completely demolished.

The violations, the minister elaborated, included failure to produce structure stability certificates, occupying parking and other open spaces mentioned in their respective maps and utility service areas like mosques, emergency exits and walking tracks.

He said by accepting the governor's advice of just fining owners of illegal buildings the government could not close its eyes to the non-compoundable crimes like construction of weak structures which could result in loss of many lives and property worth millions of rupees.

For protecting interest of small investors, he said, the chief minister had formed a committee under Justice (retired) Amer Raza Khan to see how the individuals who had purchased shops in illegal plazas could be compensated.