Pakistan court restrains army from claiming ownership of state land – Times of India

Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has banned it on Wednesday. Pakistani Army By claiming ownership of the land of the State and declared that the Armed Forces have neither power nor jurisdiction to engage directly or indirectly in commercial undertakings of any nature outside its structure.
In a 108-page detailed judgment relating to land encroachment by armed forces in Islamabad’s Margalla Hills National Park area, HC Chief Justice Athar minallah Declared the construction of Navy Golf Course in the protected area of ​​the park illegal and directed the Defense Ministry to investigate it. The court directed the Defense Secretary to conduct a forensic audit to assess the damage caused to the natural habitat and the national exchequer due to illegal encroachment and construction on the park area.
Court said that Pakistan army And the Pakistan Navy has violated the law by taking it into its own hands without realizing its responsibilities towards the nation and the state, which, according to Justice Minallah, was a perfect case of undermining the rule of law.
“The questions at hand reveal the willful and brazen disregard and misuse of laws enforced by authorities and institutions designed to protect the rights of citizens through the implementation of applicable Acts promulgated by the legislature,” the judgment said.
The court, moreover, rejected the claim of ownership of Pakistan Army Directorate The Army Farm Directorate’s lease agreement to run a restaurant on 8,068 acres of land in the national park and on top of a hill in the forests of the national park was declared illegal.
“It is the responsibility of the state to take action against those who violate the fundamental rights of the people. However, it is ironic that state institutions here are involved in destroying the Margala Hills Protected Area,” the order said, directing the authorities to take steps to repair the damage already caused to Margala Hills to prevent further destruction. Gave.
Earlier this year, the HC in its brief order declared allotment of 8,068 acres to the Pakistan Army in the National Park area of ​​Islamabad against the law.