Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Friday allowed relocation of the sacrificial animal market from sector I-11 to sector I-12/2 on presentation of notification by Capital Development Authority (CDA). A single member bench comprising Justice Athar Minallah took up the case pertaining to 148/-rupees per square foot market space charges from the animal traders. The court directed CDA officials to resolve the issue by negotiating with the traders.
Traders of the sacrificial animals claimed the civic body was charging from them Rs 148 per square foot for the full month on account of land charges whereas they will be using the space for around 13 to 14 days. The court directed CDA to resolve the issue and appraise the court before September 22. Traders of sacrificial animals had filed an application in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) challenging re-location of animal market from sector I-11to I-12 and levy of taxes on animals by the Islamabad district administration. Petitioners Khizr Hyat and others through their counsel Muhammad Waseem Abbasi advocate has cited chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA), Director Enforcement CDA, Deputy Commissioner, Director of Municipal Administration and Sheikh Sajjad contractor for the temporary site for the sale of sacrificial animals as respondents.
Petitioners pleaded that sector I-11 is a place where they bring animals every year for sale on Eid-ul-Azha. Now the civic body is forcing them to relocate to sector I-12/2 and has also clamped a levy of 148 rupees per square foot. Petitioners said that the court through an interim order had already restrained the authorities from receiving such taxes. Punjab government has lifted all taxes on the sale of sacrificial animals.