ISLAMABAD, Nov 21 (APP/DNA): The Federal Constitutional Court has made it clear that railway land was a national asset, and strict measures must be taken by the concerned authorities for its protection and restoration.A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din heard the matter regarding leased railway land in Quetta on Friday. The court directed the Additional Attorney General to meet the petitioners and propose either payment of the outstanding amount with markup or any other suitable solution. The court also issued a notice to the Balochistan Bar Council.
Barrister Gohar appeared on behalf of the petitioners and argued that the Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of leased railway properties. He stated that Quetta had 117 railway properties, of which his clients had leased four. Only four properties remained undeveloped, while construction exists on all other leased plots.
He informed the court that the lease agreement was executed on October 8, 2009, and the full lease amount had been paid. However, progress was halted due to the Supreme Court’s intervention in the matter. He further argued that the five-year period initially granted for the use of leased land was insufficient, prompting the petitioners to seek an extension in the lease term.
The court adjourned further hearing for three weeks.
