SC directs to restore park uprooted over Dar’s orders in 10 days

F.P. Report

LAHORE: The Chief Justice of Pakistan on Thursday directed Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to restore the park in 10 days that was uprooted over the orders of Ishaq Dar for the construction of road outside his residence.

A three-member full bench headed by the CJP heard the case and rejected the apology of LDA Director General in the matter.

During the hearing, the CJP inquired, “On whose directions the road was made while digging up the park.” “Ishaq Dar had requested for widening the road for parking,” replied LDA DG Zahid Akhtar Zaman.

The CJP asked whether Dar had submitted a written application in this regard. “Ishaq Dar called me and verbally asked to construct the road,” said Zaman.

The court while expressing severe resentment over LDA DG remarked, “What type of an officer are you? You uprooted the park over the verbal directions of a minister. I will not allow favouritism here. A case should be run against you according to the laws of NAB.”

Following this, Zaman sought unconditional apology from the court. “The time to apologize has passed in the court. Tell us in writing how much area did the park covered. Bring record along with an affidavit. Also inform the court about the details of expenditure on the construction of road,” said the CJP.

“The contruction cost Rs1 crore 50 lac,” told LDA DG. “You have to pay the entire cost from your own pocket. You people become servants over the orders of ministers. You can go to any length to save your job,” the CJP remarked sternly.

The court also directed Lahore News to provide the footage of road near Ishaq Dar’s residence.