KARACHI: Supreme Court on Monday ordered to demolish to high-rise residential Nasla Tower within one week.
The order was issued by a three-member bench of Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justice Ijaz-ul-Hassan and Justice Qazi Ameen.
The bench was hearing the case at Supreme Court Karachi registry relating to the removal of encroachments from Gujar, Orangi and Mehmoodabad stormwater drains in the city.
The chief justice asked Karachi Commissioner whether the Nasla Tower has been demolished. The commissioner said that notices have been issued to all residents to vacate the premises.
The court asked if the utility lines including electricity and water supply have been disconnected from the building. The commissioner responded in the negative but said the notice have been issued. “Are you waiting for hammers and chisels to do it?” the judge said, suggesting that explosive material should be issued in the demolition.
The court ruled that no concession would be allowed in the case. “Cut off the water and electricity connections of the tower by October 27,” he added and adjourned the hearing.
Earlier, the Nasla Tower residents were issued a notice to vacate the building by October 27 or face legal action. The notice was issued on October 12 by an official of the District East.
The order said that all those refusing the court’s order to vacate the building will have to face legal action. “Take notice that you are required to vacate the building i.e. Nasla Tower within (15) days,” reads the notice.
“In case of failure, necessary proceedings under Section 3 of Sindh Public Property (Removal of Encroachment) Act, 2010 may be initiated against you, or other coercive action may be taken.” Since the order has been dated October 12, the residents must vacate the building by October 27 (15 days time).
Last month, the Supreme Court of Pakistan had rejected a review petition that requested the court to take back its order to demolish the building. The order mentions that the Karachi commissioner has to submit a compliance report on theapex court’s instructions and ensure the building is vacated.
