CJP directs PM to pay fine in Banigala construction case

ISLAMABAD: The top court on Monday directed Prime Minister Imran Khan to pay a fine in a case pertaining to illegal constructions in Banigala. 

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, who headed a bench of the Supreme Court, directed the prime minister to submit a compliance report after paying the penalty.

“Notice was taken on a complaint by the prime minister himself. He will have to pay a fine at first,” the top judge remarked.

The CJP had taken a notice of encroachments in Banigala on the request of the prime minister in May, 2017.

Subsequently, the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration submitted a report, informing the court that 122 illegal constructions in the area include a portion of Imran Khan’s 300 kanal residence.

During the course of hearing today, the top judge said if the premier’s Bani Gala residence is not regularized, then it should be done after payment of the fine.

Justice Nisar said Imran Khan himself had given five suggestions before he took office of the country’s chief executive and that now he is in the government he should get them implemented.

The apex court directed the government to regularize the structures built in Banigala without its permission and submit a compliance report.

The premier’s lawyer informed the judges that a meeting of the federal cabinet has been summoned to give its approval in this regard.