The Sindh High Court ordered a thorough inspection of Super Highway M Nine-ul-Asif to Toll Plaza, demanding a comprehensive report with accompanying photographs within a seven-day timeframe. The court's directive comes in response to a petition seeking the removal of encroachments, with the petitioner's counsel contesting the accuracy of the Deputy Commissioner's report regarding the termination of encroachments around Al Asif Square. The Deputy Commissioner Eastern reported that encroachments, including those around Badshah Hotel and from Al-Asif Square to Habib Hotel, have been successfully removed. However, the petitioner's counsel argued that the report is false and misleading, prompting the court's intervention. Justice Nadeem Akhtar, heading the two-member bench, expressed concern over the prolonged issue of flood victims in the area and questioned the timeline for completely eliminating encroachments along the Superhighway. The DC East suggested an eight-week respite, citing ongoing election-related activities, but Justice Akhtar emphasized the urgency of addressing both the electoral process and the elimination of encroachments.

The petitioner's counsel raised additional concerns, alleging that NHO and Score Company are allocating public land for private use under the guise of beautification. The court addressed these claims, with the National Highway Authority (NHA) representative assuring that any development, including petrol pumps, CNG stations, and bus terminals, would adhere to legal procedures and secure formal approvals. In a written order, the court appointed a supervisor from the Sindh High Court to oversee the inspection and report on encroachments from Al-Asif to Toll Plaza. The inspector is instructed to review the situation in the presence of all involved parties, including the Deputy Commissioner East. A strict seven-day deadline was set for the submission of the report, with law enforcement authorities directed to maintain law and order during the process. The court adjourned the hearing until January 30, awaiting the outcome of the inspection and subsequent report.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)