Walled City: LHC stays construction of 136 illegal buildings

22 Jan, 2015

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court Thursday stayed construction of 136 illegal commercial and residential building inside walled city till February 17.

The court also directed the city administration to ensure its orders.

Mr. Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed the orders while hearing petitions filed by Asif Ali Mirza, Abdul Razzaq and Judicial Activism Panel, a public interest litigation firm, against illegal constructions in the walled city.

Earlier, the petitioner's counsel arguing before the court submitted that the walled city had historical significance. It was the reason that Walled City Authority was constituted and the authority was empowered to approve building plans and constructions to protect heritage in walled city, he further submitted.

However, he maintained, that the authority had failed to exercise its powers as illegal constructions were being carried out in walled city.

The authority's counsel presented a list of 136 illegal buildings which were being constructed at present. The counsel further said that the authority did not have machinery and manpower for taking action against the illegal constructions.

The court staying the illegal constructions issued notices to the administration.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2015

Read Comments