Supreme Court upholds PHC’s decision on land acquisition case

ISLAMABAD: A hearing took place today at the Supreme Court regarding the contentious issue of the government’s acquisition of private land. Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa presided over the hearing, which featured a tense exchange with the Additional Attorney General.

The case centered around a plea against the decision of the Peshawar High Court (PHC) in a matter related to the government’s acquisition of 15,000 acres of private land in Mansehra. The PHC had later increasing the compensation to one and a half lakh rupees per acre.

COAS, Pentagon chief discuss ‘recent regional developments’ over phone

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Isa pressed for clarity on the implementation of the court’s decision, demanding an update on the matter. “Has the court’s decision been executed?” inquired Chief Justice Isa.

The Additional Attorney General responded that a compromise has been reached between the parties. However, the chief justice expressed frustration over the absence of a report detailing the implementation of the decision, asking, “Is it a state secret they don’t want to reveal in court?”

He further admonished, “Why don’t you do your job?” CJ Isa also questioned whether the judgment indicated a lack of response from the Additional Attorney General to the court’s queries, to which the latter explained that he had been instructed to appear in the case by the Attorney General.

WB suggests Pakistan to tax monthly salaries below Rs 50,000

In response to the situation, the chief justice announced that the court would impose a fine. The Additional Attorney General accepted the penalty but was informed that the fine must be paid from his own pocket.

“I will pay the fine from my own pocket,” declared the Additional Attorney General. Chief Justice Isa clarified, “Not at your convenience.” Ultimately, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal against the decision of the Peshawar High Court.