THIS is with reference to the report “High court revokes CDA’s power to turn greenbelt into plots” (Aug 20) and ‘SC asks wildlife board to take over Monal’ (Aug 22). I wonder why it is always the judiciary that has to intervene as well as adjudicate in matters that fall within the jurisdiction of the civic authorities.

In fact, there would have not been any question of dispute if in the first place the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had been more vigilant and had strictly followed rules and regulations instead of amending its own bylaws to accommodate anyone.

No doubt, both the Supreme Court and the Islamabad High Court have given landmark verdicts that are commendable. However, it is to be seen if their orders are implemented and executed by the quarters concerned, because going by the track record of the civic agency, it seems a tall order.

Grave violations have been committed by the administrations of the two buildings to the extent that their allotments were cancelled at one point.

One is perplexed that the building owners in Islamabad are given such laxity, while similar violations by owners of the buildings and plazas in Karachi are severely dealt with, like demolishing a 15-storey residential building and razing another one in Clifton area.

It seems the authorities in Karachi are more compliant and effective. Really?

Name withheld on request
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024