Chief Justice slams cabinet secretary over Margalla Hills case

ISLAMABAD: In a heated session at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa expressed frustration with Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal during the hearing of the Margalla Hills National Park and Chairman Wildlife Board case.

While inquiring about the origins of the notification concerning the Chairman of the Wildlife Board, the Chief Justice Isa questioned Secretary Afzal, asking, “Why should you not be indicted?” The court demanded to know, “Who is behind the notification of the Chairman Wildlife Board? Who issued it, and on whose behest?”

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Secretary Afzal stated that the orders for changing the Chairman came directly from the Prime Minister’s office. Chief Justice Isa accused the Cabinet Secretary of deflecting blame onto the Prime Minister to protect his brother, Luqman Ali Afzal. When questioned about the whereabouts of his brother, Secretary Afzal admitted he did not know where Luqman Ali Afzal was.

CJ Isa noted a surge in propaganda against the Supreme Court following the order concerning the Margalla Hills. “The order was issued with the consent of the parties involved, so who is responsible for this propaganda?” he asked, urging for accountability and transparency in the media’s portrayal of the judiciary.

The chief justice also raised concerns about illegal land development activities in the Margalla Hills, addressing the legal representatives of a private housing society with pointed questions. “How are you building a society in the Margalla Hills? Where is the ownership document?” he asked. The lawyer responded that the documents were with his client and assured the court that his client, Siddique Anwar, would arrive at the Supreme Court within an hour and a half.

CJ Isa pointed out that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is also involved in the Margalla Hills case. He inquired, “Which CDA officer contacted the owner of the society and asked for a sponsor?” The advocate revealed that advertisements for the housing society were displayed across Islamabad, even though the society is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

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The chief justice expressed his concern over the state of governance in the country, remarking, “Everyone has their own agenda in this country.” He criticised the government for standing in court without providing clear answers, highlighting the influence of the land mafia. “The country is now in the hands of the land mafia,” he stated.

Chief Justice Isa also brought up the 190 million pounds case, questioning why the government returned the money received from Britain to a powerful individual. “190 million pounds of people’s money was given to someone else,” he remarked, criticising the government’s lack of accountability. He added, “Thankfully, there are active agencies in foreign countries.” In closing, Chief Justice Isa addressed those who criticise the judiciary, asking them to speak openly. “If you have the courage, come and speak before us; we will answer”.