ISLAMABAD   -  The Islamabad High Court (IHC) Chief Justice Athar Minallah Monday remarked that the state owned institutions cannot do real estate business as it is clearly a matter of conflict of interest.

A single bench of IHC comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah made the remarks while hearing a matter against the real estate business being carried out by the ministries and the state institutions.

The IHC bench asked the attorney general of Pakistan to complete his arguments in this case till the next hearing so that the court could announce its judgment.

During the hearing, Justice Athar questioned that whether the government-controlled institutions could directly or indirectly do business or not.

Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Syed Tayyab Shah informed the court that complying with its orders; he would send a summary regarding this matter to the cabinet this week.

The IHC chief justice remarked that why government is not taking action and waiting for court orders to do anything. He said that the court would decide the case according to law. He added that while deciding on the criminal appeals, it emerged that the state itself gave protection to the criminals.

He observed that apparently, it can be stated that indulging of the ministries and institutions, working under them in a business is unlawful. 

He also said that the FIA should be looking into irregularities of the business and illegal societies but it is itself busy in it. The bench told the   DAG that the matter involves basic human rights.

Later, the court adjourned the hearing of the case till January 17 for further proceedings in this connection.