ISLAMABAD, July 14: Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday issued notices to a Pakistan Muslim League-Q legislator and top officials of the Capital Development Authority and police in a petition challenging construction on a greenbelt in sector I-10/3.

Justice Mohammad Anwer Khan Kasi resumed hearing of the petition filed by Abu Ammar Sehri, a resident of I-10/3. Advocate Waqas Malik along with a panel of other lawyers appeared on behalf of the petitioner.

He alleged that MNA Amir Muqam, who is also a minister without portfolio, connived with the police and FC and built “concrete structures” on a five-kanal plot declared as greenbelt in the CDA's master plan. He said it was done “without any permission and previous sanction”.

The petition said the FC and police are constantly guarding the land, adding that when the matter was reported to the CDA chairman it resulted in “a cry in the wilderness”.

The counsel questioned how a land earmarked as greenbelt in the CDA's master plan for the past many years is given to a lawmaker without documentation.

He asked the court to direct CDA bosses to take back land from the legislator and initiate criminal proceedings against him without any delay.

After preliminary hearing, Justice Kasi issued notices to the legislator, CDA chairman and other officials and SSP Operations Islamabad and adjourned hearing. Dawn

Meanwhile, Mr Muqam told denied the land grabbing charge, saying he owned the land. “I am running a legitimate business in that area. My staff may have built some fences for security purpose.”

The legislator said the petitioner should have contacted him before approaching the court to avoid litigation. “Now I will face these allegations and defend myself in the court.”