Supreme Court of Pakistan orders swift action on pavement encroachments

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a strict directive to private entities and government authorities at provincial and federal levels to clear all encroachments on pavements within three days. This decision came during a hearing of a 2010 petition filed by former Karachi mayor Naimatullah Khan, addressing issues related to encroachments on public spaces and illegal constructions.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa, along with Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail and Naeem Akhtar Afghan, emphasized the importance of maintaining public access to pavements. Justice Isa highlighted instances where government buildings had encroached on pavements for security reasons, questioning the legality of such actions.

The court firmly stated that pavements are meant for pedestrians and should not be blocked off for security concerns. Chief Justice Isa directed all land-owning agencies to clear encroachments within three days, warning of contempt notices for non-compliance. The cost of removing encroachments would be borne by the senior officer responsible for the building in question.

In response to the court's directive, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation counsel Umar Lakhani assured that encroachments on pavements along 106 roads under their jurisdiction would be promptly cleared.

This decision underscores the court's commitment to upholding public access to spaces and ensuring accountability for encroachments on public amenities.