SC orders to remove all blockades in Lahore, Jati Umra

F.P. Report

LAHORE: The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan has on Sunday ordered to remove all blockades outside Jati Umra, Governor House, IG Office, Model Town and other places across the city.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar remarked that security should be provided to the concerned persons, but the court cannot allow government to block roads.

The apex court conducted a hearing at Lahore Registry in which Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shehbaz Sharif appeared upon summoning in case pertaining to clean water provision to public, road blockades and appalling condition of hospitals.

A three-member bench of the SC, headed by Mian Saqib Nisar, conducted the hearing.

Initially, Sharif was called by the court on immediate basis on Saturday by the same bench, but the provincial chief secretary requested respite from the court saying that Punjab CM was busy. The CJP then directed Sharif to appear on Sunday at 11am.

During the previous hearing, the prosecutor told court that 480 million gallons of polluted water is being drained into River Ravi. The CJP remarked that Chief Minister should clarify what steps have been taken for the drainage of waste water.

“Sindh Chief Minister was summoned in Karachi over pollution, then why cannot Punjab CM be summoned over the matter?” asked the CJP.

The court expressed resentment and said, “What sort of behaviour is being conducted with Lahore which is the heart of Punjab.”

Medical Supreintendents of all the hospitals also attended the hearing. The court directed the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Secretary to submit a detailed report into the matter.

“Why a service structure for doctors has not been formed?” the CJP asked from provincial chief secretary.

“The salary being provided to the doctors is equal to a judge’s driver. The doctors study late nights and then are able to receive degree. Even then you are giving them such less salaries. Mr Chief Secretary! Can you make a house budget out of Rs45000?” the CJP remarked sternly.

The Chief Justice asserted that public service is the constitutional duty of all the departments and the court is fulfilling its responsibility.

He advised the Young Doctors Association to end their protest at Lahore’s Chairing Cross. “Write you problems to us. We will review them and issue relevant directives. Why fewer budget is being spent on health and education. Other project could have begun later,” said CJP.

“The state should not become the owner but the sponsor of the citizens and employees,” he declared.