SC orders probe in delay of local bodies restoration

ISLAMABAD:  The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Wednesday ordered investigation into delay in the restoration of local bodies’ institutions in Punjab.

The Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzarr Ahmed heard the case pertaining to restoration of local bodes.

The Punjab government also submitted notification in the Supreme Court with regards to restoration of local councils in the province.

During the hearing, Chief Justice pointed out flaws in drafting of the notification issued by the government of Punjab. The CJ further remarked that the provincial government deems it has restored local councils which is not an accurate statement.

The petitioner counsel said that in Lahore High Court, the Punjab government had submitted that the court’s order could not be implemented.

To this the Supreme Court summoned the complete record of the Lahore High Court’s proceedings. “The matter will be thoroughly investigated,” Chief Justice said.

Hd observed that the secretary in his written reply has said that a summary to the effect was forwarded to the chief minister.

Any person found to be responsible for it will be taken to task,” “the Chief Justice remarked.

Later, the court adjourned further hearing of the case for two weeks.

It must be mentioned here that on March 25 this year, the Supreme Court had directed the provincial government to restore the local government institutions in Punjab.

The apex court has now taken up the contempt petition moved by 15 chairmen of district councils and mayors for not allowing the local government councils in Punjab to resume their function.