SC Orders PM, 65 others to regularise their properties in Bani Gala

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ordered 65 persons including Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan to regularize their properties in a case pertaining to the encroachments in Islamabad’s Bani Gala area.

At outset of the hearing, the three member bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar was informed that Prime Minister Imran Khan has applied for the regularization of his residence in Bani Gala.

The premier’s residence falls into Zone 3 and 4 of the area, said Additional Attorney General (AAG), adding that there was no drainage system in the streets of the Bani Gala and the buildings constructed are in violation of building safety rules.

The Top judge expressed his resentment at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) for allowing such constructions to take place, and said he could not believe what was going on at the authority.The court then adjourned the hearing for 10 days.

During hearing of the case on October 29, CJP remarked that,”Prime Minister Imran Khan should set a precedent for others by regularizing his residence first.

The 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.

The AAG also told the court that the prime minister is ready to pay the penalty to legalise his property.

On October 5, the Supreme Court was informed that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had started serving notices to those who constructed buildings in violation of Islamabad Capital Territory(ICT) Zoning Regulations 1992 including Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The CJP took notice of encroachments in Banigala on the request of Imran Khan 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.