Justice Minallah Enraged By Pakistan Navy's Failure To Submit Response In Sailing Club Case

The Islamabad High Court has expressed displeasure with the Pakistan Navy after it failed to file a reply in the court over the construction of an illegal sailing club near Rawal Lake, Islamabad.

On July 23, Chief Justice Athar Minallah had asked the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to seal the naval club and sought reply from the naval authorities regarding the construction of the property.

When the court resumed hearing of the case, it noted that the naval authorities had not filed the reply. Justice Minallah remarked that the armed forces were a well-respected institution but it should be manifested through their deeds. The CDA informed the bench that it had sought the federal cabinet and the attorney general's decision in this regard.

At this, Justice Minallah asked had CDA ever sought the opinion of the attorney general before removing small kiosks. He said the court never asked any institution for taking post facto approval of the construction whereas the matter was referred to the cabinet for taking appropriate action.

The court sought a detailed reply from the naval chief regarding the construction of the club, and adjourned the hearing to August 7.