PM should regularise his residence first, remarks CJP in Banigala case

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan should set a precedent for others by regularizing his residence first, remarked Chief Justice of Pakistan on Monday while hearing a case pertaining to encroachments in Banigala.

Bench headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar took up the case, which was informed by Additional Attorney General (AAG) that recommendations to set tariff into the matter were forwarded to the former cabinet and pleaded to give time of three days, adding that Prime Minister is ready to pay the penalty.

AAG further contended that special committee formed on the orders of the honourable court is meeting today at 3:00 pm to finalize tariff, on which Chief Justice of Pakistan said ” the court won’t give more time, update us [the court] latest by 5:00 pm today.”

The top judge observed that matters in Capital Development Authority (CDA) are not running smoothly. The hearing of the case was later adjourned till tomorrow.

On October 5, the Supreme Court was informed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has served a notice to Prime Minister Imran Khan over illegal construction of his Banigala residence.

A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to encroachments in Banigala.

The chief justice said the CDA should first take action against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The bench was informed that the CDA has started issuing notices to those who constructed buildings in violation of ICT Zoning Regulations 1992 and the prime minister was the first one to be served a notice.

CJP Nisar said the premier should be the first person to take steps for regularisation of his property, as per laws so as others may follow his example.

The CJP took 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.