Supreme Court orders removal of roadblocks and encroachments in Karachi

KARACHI, April 25: The Supreme Court, under the leadership of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has issued directives to eliminate roadblocks and encroachments from buildings and roads across Karachi.

According to details, the Supreme Court conducted a hearing on a case related to the eradication of encroachments in Karachi. The court ordered the removal of obstacles and encroachments from all government and private buildings and roads, including the Rangers Headquarters, Governor House, and CM House.

The court instructed all relevant security agencies to comply with the judicial order and directed the Additional Attorney General to notify federal institutions. The court emphasized the clearance of roads, recovery of costs related to encroachments from the violators, and required a report on the complete removal of encroachments within three days.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa questioned the presence of roadblocks outside the Rangers Headquarters and the Chief Minister's House. The government's counsel responded that the roadblocks were placed for security reasons. In response, the Chief Justice commented, "Then move to a safer place from here, clear this area. Do you want attacks on the public? The rest of you should remain safe; double standards won't be tolerated."

Justice Qazi Faez Isa further stated, "Send the bill for the removal of encroachments to the senior officer and recover the costs from his pocket. No one has the right to obstruct the free movement of the public. Blocking roads and setting up obstacles is illegal. Both the federal and provincial governments are themselves creating encroachments. Ask those who walk on footpaths what difficulties they face. People sit under the shade of trees planted during the British era, while the British reap the benefits."

The Supreme Court's directives aim to ensure the free movement of citizens and eliminate illegal obstructions across Karachi.