PHC orders DG GDA, DC Abbottabad to submit comments

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: A divisional bench of Peshawar High Court (PHC) comprising of Justice Kamran Hayat and Justice Fazal Subhan suspended Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad’s orders regarding stopping construction works on a hotel at Nathiagali, on Wednesday.

The counsel Babar Khan Yousafzai and Qasim Wadud advocates argued that applicant Haroon Nathiagali Private Limited is constructing a 5-star hotel on 22 Kanal at the site old hotel which was demolished for the purpose.

The counsel further argued that the hotel will provide standard facilities to travellers and will boost tourism in the premises while added that DC Abbottabad has imposed Section-144 on construction at Galyat, which will cause pollution in the area. DC can’t impose section 144 on construction and issued orders beyond his jurisdiction which is unconstitutional and illegal, the counsel argued.

They further argued that the petitioner has invested Rs5 billion in the project despite the lowest investment in the country and highest unemployment while adding that the act will hurt investors.

The counsel further argued that snowfall season is heading which will cause stoppage to construction works and may cost the petitioner further while arguing that No Objection Certificates are issued by concerned departments in this regard. PHC has suspended Section-144 orders while directed DC Abbottabad and Director General (DG) Galyat Development Authority (GDA) to submitted comments while adjourned further hearing.