ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has summoned next week the inspector general of police (IGP), Sindh, and the advocate general in a case related to illegal use of Sindh Police land and adjourned the hearing until next week.
A two-member bench of the FCC, headed by Justice Aamer Farooq, heard the case. The court directed that both the IGP and advocate general must appear in person. The court rejected the request to issue a stay order against eviction of shops established in police buildings. Justice Aamer Farooq questioned that if the ownership of the real owner is nullified, what status do the occupants have. The land allotted to the Sindh Police for one purpose is being used for another purpose. “With due respect, what is being done to government land?” the judge questioned. Lawyer Farooq Naek argued that the land in Hyderabad and Karachi was not even part of a case under hearing in the high court. He contended that the high court gave a decision beyond the scope of the petition. Justice Amir Farooq remarked that the Sindh High Court’s order applies to the entire Sindh province. “If it is proven that the land in Hyderabad and Larkana is being misused, give a guarantee that it will be vacated,” Justice Aamer Farooq said. Farooq Naek, representing the shopkeepers, assured that they will comply with whatever order the court issues. Justice Amir Farooq, however, responded that the court is asking for his guarantee, not just compliance with a court order. He said notices will be issued to all parties. Farooq claimed that the police would not respond to notices and that shops are already being vacated.
Justice Amir Farooq questioned how it could be assumed that the Sindh Police and the government would not respond. He reiterated that it cannot grant a stay order against the eviction of shops and adjourned the hearing until next week.
