PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court (PHC) on Wednesday dismissed a writ petition challenging the lease of 240 kanals of land acquired for the construction of the Shahid Afridi Cricket Stadium in Bara, directing the provincial government to continue development work on the project.
A two-member bench comprising Justice Ejaz Anwar and Justice Babar Sattar heard the petition filed by Muhammad Anwar. The petitioner’s counsel argued that the land in Bara tehsil of Khyber district had not been acquired in accordance with relevant laws and rules, and requested the court to halt construction activities at the stadium site.
The counsel further submitted that the stadium project included facilities such as a swimming pool, a basketball court, and other sports amenities, but alleged that the land acquisition process did not comply with legal requirements.
Representing the provincial government, Additional Advocate General Asad Jan Durrani contended that the land had been acquired in full compliance with the rules. He informed the court that 240 kanals of land had been obtained for the Shahid Afridi Cricket Stadium and that compensation amounting to Rs120 million had already been paid to landowners.
He further argued that substantial funds had already been spent on the project and that construction work was at an advanced stage. Questioning the timing of the petition, he said the petitioner had failed to approach the court within the prescribed period and that the limitation for filing an appeal had already expired.
