Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed observed on Wednesday that Karachi has been ruined through a “conspiracy”.
The CJP’s remarks came during a hearing of a case related to the computerisation of provincial land records being held at the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry.
Justice Gulzar stated that district revenue collectors had become ministers in Sindh.Bench member Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan told the Sindh Board of Revenue official that the authority had been asking for two months, but years had passed without any progress.
“Why has the record not been computerised since 2007?” the justice asked. To this, the revenue board member replied that all records had been compiled except for Thatta district.
Expressing anger at the official, CJP Gulzar stated that it was strange that Thatta’s record had not been compiled for three years.
The chief justice expressed displeasure over “thousands of land disputes”, adding that land grabbing was also happening for the same reason.
Speaking of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC’s), the CJP said all people responsible for the city’s woes would be caught.
The chief justice further rained on the administrative authority, terming it responsible for the mismanagement in the city.
“No KMC employee has ever been seen working. The KMC is a hollow authority,” the CJP stated.”Lay off 80% of KMC’s staff; it does not need so many.
The KDA [Karachi Development Authority], KMC were overstaffed by a 1000%,” the chief justice added.
He said these institutions that were once considered Karachi’s valuable assets have been destroyed, adding that Karachi has been ruined.
The top court rejected the federal government’s request to stay demolitions along the Gujjar and Orangistormwater drains for a week, till a rehabilitation plan was drawn up.Denying the request, the SC however sought alternative plans on the nullahs and asked the Sindh government about the resettlement plan for the affectees.
KMC administrator informed the CJP that work had started against encroachments around the Aladdin amusement park and Pavilion End Club.
He said that more time was required to complete the drive as there were excessive encroachments in the area.
