KARACHI: The Supreme Court issued directives on Thursday, instructing relevant authorities to sell the land of Nasla Tower, a multi-storey residential complex in Karachi that was demolished on the orders of former Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed in 2021, in order to compensate affected individuals.
Furthermore, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa, leading a three-member bench, also mandated the removal of barriers outside various buildings, including the Sindh Rangers headquarters, Chief Minister's House, and Governor's House, with a requirement to present a report within three days.
CJP Isa emphasized that obstructing the free movement of people is unlawful, declaring the blocking of roads and creation of obstacles as illegal. These remarks were made during the hearing of multiple cases, including those related to encroachments and Nasla Tower, at the SC Karachi Registry, where the chief justice highlighted that both federal and provincial governments were encroaching on lands themselves.
The court directed the attorney general to notify the federal government and instructed the authorities to distribute a copy of the court order to all relevant institutions, including security-related entities. CJP Isa stressed that expenses related to the removal of encroachments should be recovered from the encroachers.
Addressing arguments about security concerns justifying barricades, the chief justice questioned the logic, stating that while the public faces attacks, certain individuals remain secure. He directed authorities to refrain from blocking roads under the guise of security and challenged the presence of encroachments, even within the SC premises.
Furthermore, CJP Isa questioned the rationale behind granting Jinnah Court premises to the Rangers and suggested relocating security containers inside the Governor House rather than placing them outside. The case was adjourned until Friday.
