KARACHI - Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed on Wednesday came down hard on the Karachi Commissioner after submission of the demolition report on the Nasla Tower in Karachi.
The chief justice was heading the court proceedings on Nasla Tower’s demolition case at the Karachi registry of the Supreme Court Wednesday. A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijaz Ul Ahsan and Justice Qazi Mohammad Amin Ahmed, while hearing a number of cases on Karachi’s civic issues, instructed the commissioner to use all heavy equipment and machinery available at his disposal and “immediately demolish” Nasla Tower and Tejori Heights. He also ordered that a report be submitted in the court later in the day.
At the outset of the hearing, the chief justice inquired whether the demolition order had been carried out or not. To this, Muhammad Iqbal Memon said that he needed “guidance” from the court and wanted to say something. “Cut to the chase, did you demolish the building or not?” the chief justice questioned as he grilled the commissioner and warned that he could be sent to jail over contempt of court.
The commissioner informed the court that authorities started the operation to demolish Nasla Tower.
“Do not lie,” the CJP responded angrily. “Sir, please listen to me,” the Karachi commissioner said.
“Are you in your home right now? Is this the way to speak in court?” asked Justice Qazi Amin. “Do not try to act smart,” he warned the commissioner. “Sir, I am trying to demolish the building,” responded the commissioner. The CJP then asked the advocate-general what grade the Karachi commissioner falls under. “He is a grade-21 officer,” responded the advocate-general. “Is this the way a grade-21 officer speaks in court?” asked CJP Ahmed. “Sir, I am trying to make you understand,” stated the commissioner. “Stop trying. You will go straight to jail from here,” the CJP warned. “We are understanding [the situation] but you aren’t. You are only passing the time,” he said. The chief justice then remarked that authorities have not even brought down the Tijori Heights building.
“The demolition process of Tijori Heights is underway,” responded the commissioner.
“If the operation is underway, submit a report on it by afternoon, with pictures [as evidence],” replied the chief justice. Nasla Tower demolition has begun, says Karachi Commissioner.
Shortly after the hearing of the case concluded, Karachi Commissioner Iqbal Memon arrived at the Nasla Tower to oversee the demolition work. Iqbal arrived at the location with several other officers and Assistant Commissioner Revenue and DC East.
“Nasla Tower’s demolition work had begun,” said the commissioner. “It had been halted as precautionary measures were not being taken,” he said, adding that the apex court had issued orders to ensure lives were not lost in the demolition process.
