SC orders officers to put fences around Hill Park land.

KARACHI -- The Supreme Court ordered the Karachi commissioner and other relevant officials on Friday to erect fences around land belonging to Hill Park and submit a report by March 26.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed and comprising Justices Faisal Arab and Sajjad Ali Shah, was hearing a plea against illegal occupation at the apex court's Karachi Registry.

According to the petitioner's counsel, the parks and horticulture director-general had sold the land in question in line with the law.

Justice Ahmed, however, pointed out that a large amount of money was found in the director-general's possession. 'He sold lots of houses to make this money. What else is there around Hill Park apart from illegally occupied land?'

When the CJP inquired about the park's design, citizen Amber Alibhai said that they were preparing the design using modern technology. Adding that they were carrying out surveys and that the situation would soon be clarified, Alibhai sought a three-day extension from the court.

'This is a matter of citizens' rights. We will not let the rights be violated,' remarked Justice Ahmed. He added that those purchasing the land should be responsible for confirming the legal status of the land as well.

The court sought a report and design plans regarding Hill Park and the land around it on March 26.

Plea rejected

The bench further rejected a review plea and other petitions pertaining to Royal Park, adjacent to Aladin Park in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Appearing on behalf of the affectees, Barrister Salahuddin maintained that the scheme's builder had made billions of rupees through them. 'Where will the affectees go?'

The counsel representing Royal Park maintained that the project was approved in accordance...