Staff Reporter
The Supreme Court on Friday termed lease of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) land as illegal. The decision was taken during the hearing of the case regarding commercial activities on land belonging to the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed in Karachi registry. The court warned the KPT officials for assuming charge of the government land.Addressing the KPT’s counsel, the court remarked: “You do not own the land. You were given it to carry out activities related to the KPT.” “How can you lease the land when the lease does not belong to you,” questioned Justice Gulzar. “You were only given land for the port’s use. But you are allotting KPT land to yourself,” he remarked, adding that this was a conflict of interest. “As chief justice, should I allot land belonging to the Supreme Court to my name or to that of my judges. We have been given land to run the courts, not for our own personal interests,” he said.The chief justice said: “I want to refrain from giving any such comments which may cause harm. But the problem is that not a single one of your departments has its affairs in order.” “I was born in this city. Please point out those areas where which are free of any construction. Police stations themselves are being given on rent,” said Justice Arab. “You have sold everything,” he remarked, adding that it was particularly painful because nothing had been left. “The attorney general and I share the same sentiments,” replied the advocate general.“What will happen to the city,” lamented the CJP, adding that officials disappear after narrating their stories. The court directed that if the land is not being used by the port, it should be returned to the government. “Countless people will be affected by your directions,” replied the KPT’s counsel. “You have given leases for 99 years. In this way, all government departments will be able to give their land to their own people,” the court observed, adding that the KPT is a trust and not a trustee. Commenting on the report submitted by the KPT chairman, the CJP said: “If we give an order on the report that has been submitted, the result will not be pleasant. It is best if the chairman takes the report back.” The hearing was adjourned for Feb 21. Meanwhile, hearing the Karachi encroachments case, the Chief Justice, Justice Faisal Arab and Justice Sajjad Ali Shah directed the government to raze illegal constructions in government quarters and on Gizri Road.Slamming the KMC, KDA and DHA, the chief justice said 55% of Karachi has been taken up by katchi abadis. The civil government isn’t working, nor are the Sindh and federal governments, he said.Who is encroaching on government land, asked Justice Ahmed. He ordered the government to clear Jahangir Road and move the residents elsewhere.
