C directs authorities to stop operation against slums in Islamabad

[Salman]

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan issued directions to authorities for stopping the ongoing operation against slums of federal capital and issued notices to federal government, CDA and administration of capital and sought details of operation and other matters today.

The apex court also directed the federal and provincials governments to submit the details of their housing policies. The apex court also sought the details of daily books and cases lodged against the slums dwellers in various police stations of federal capital.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Justice Jawad .S.Khawaja, remarked that why the substitute places were not given to dwellers of slums, which have been setup for the last four decades. CDA is not king, do everything what it wants. CDA now should not touch any slum of capital. The kingship of CDA would not long last. What were the feelings of fifteen to seventeen thousand slum dwellers?.

Justice Dost Muhammad Khan in his remarks said that illegally residing Afghan refugees have been given permission to stay for more two years who have occupied our business, residential areas but why Pakistani citizens are not being allowed to live in abadies setup for the last three and four decades.

The apex court has approved the writ petition of Abid Hussan Minto Advocate filed regarding the demolishing of slums for hearing.

On this occasion, CDA and federal government informed the apex court that operation to demolish the slums was conducted on the order of Islamabad High Court. The apex court inquired that what slums committed due to which these are demolished. The Attorney General informed that due to security concern operation was conducted against slums.
The CJP said that fifteen secret agencies have checked these and reported that there was no terrorist living in these slums.

The petitioner informed the apex court that a citizen filed an application in Islamabad High Court (IHC) to seek permission to get Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC), in return the IHC ordered the local administration to demolish the slum through operation.
The petitioner added that some slums were thirty to forty years old. If the city is extending then government should provide substitute place to poors for residence before demolishing the slums. It is the sever violation of human rights and matters of basic importance. The CJP on this said that infact, it is a matter of public and human rights importance and we want to hear it in detail and order in this regard be issued.
The apex court adjourned the hearing till August 31, 2015.