SC summons mills owners, Punjab chief secretary, AG in sugarcane farmers' payment case

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday summoned Punjab Chief Secretary and Advocate General, Cane Commissioner, senior member Board of Revenue and sugar mill owners in a case regarding payment of dues to sugarcane farmers by the sugar mills on next date of hearing.

Justice Azmat Saeed while heading a three-member SC bench observed that non- bailable arrest warrants would be issued if someone did not appear on next date of hearing.

He expressed annoyance over the absence of the chief executive officers (CEOs) of Darya Khan, Patoki and Brothers sugar mills, who, he observed, were not taking the court orders seriously. He also showed his dismay over the absence of Cane Commissioner.

Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan remarked that the counsels of respondents did not appear before the court with proper preparation of the case.

The counsel for Darya Khan Sugar Mills said that his client could not appear before the court as he was in Saudi Arabia for performing Umrah.

Later, the case was adjourned till June 12.