ISLAMABAD - The Supreme Court Thursday directed Additional Advocate General (AAG) Punjab to submit report why and how there is change in the Punjab government’s stance regarding allocation of land for Dadocha Dam.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Jawwad S Khawaja and Justice Dost Muhammad hearing case about encroachment on the land allocated for Dadocha Dam asked the AAG Punjab whether the provincial government is open to de-notify the area for dam.
The court asked the law officers of federal and the Punjab governments to supply the legislative list in the constitution, particularly after the devolution as envisaged in the 18th Amendment.
In the last date of hearing, the bench had asked the Punjab and the federal governments to submit report on various projects, mainly DHA Valley Phase-II extension Rawalpindi, DHA Expressway, DHA villas and Dadocha Dam.
AAG Punjab Razzaq A Mirza informed the court that a notification under section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act was issued on 02-11-2010 for acquiring 18,566 kanals in three tehsils Rawalpindi, Kohta, and Kalar Syedan.
The court noted at that time the then chief secretary Punjab had submitted a report before the apex court on 28-10-2010 relating to Dadocha Dam. The bench observed the chief secretary had also submitted second report on 03-01-11, wherein it had been mentioned that Dadocha Dam would be constructed.
During the proceeding, Mirza submitted a report. The bench observed that prima facie the report shows that the Punjab government had backtracked from its earlier position. However, the AAG Punjab explained that the Chief Minister Punjab had held meeting with the representative of DHA-Islamabad (Maj-Gen Humayun Aziz), adding the matter is discussed and the data analysis is in the process and will be finalised on July 31, 2015.
Mirza informed that the DHA-Islamabad had proposed the second site for dam, which is 3km upside. According to him it was rejected as it is hilly area and not suitable for pontage and storing water. He, however, sought time to file the report.
When the court inquired from advocate general whether the Punjab Provincial Assembly had passed any law for creating the body similar to DHA-Islamabad. He showed ignorance. The court downloaded the DHA-Rawalpindi Act from the computer and gave one copy of it to the Punjab law officer.
The Court ordered Additional Attorney General to submit report about the projects of Defence Housing Authority, and whether its statutory provisions have been complied with and its aims and objective have been achieved?
Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman informed the court that the DHA-Islamabad is the statutory authority, which is undertaking projects in accordance with the aim and objective of the DHA-Islamabad Act. According to aims and objective of the Act; “It is expedient to establish Defence Housing Society for the welfare and development of war injured, disabled in war and families of martyrs to boast their moral and provide them financial security.” The case is adjourned till the week commencing from 3rd August.