ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court issued an order for the prompt completion of the audit of the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club within a month.
The court also directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address issues related to the club’s lease with the federal government.
Chief Justice Umer Ata Bandial led the three-member bench that oversaw the implementation case of the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club. The hearing was adjourned for a month at the request of the club’s lawyer, Naeem Bukhari.
During the proceedings, Chief Justice Umer Ata Bandial emphasized that the club, being a national asset, had suffered from inadequate management, leading to a tarnished reputation. He stressed that the club’s purpose should be to provide public facilities rather than for personal gains.
The Chief Justice instructed the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination to treat the matter seriously and resolve issues concerning the club’s lease and outstanding dues without any personal agenda.
The court was informed that the club’s management had already engaged an internal audit company to conduct the audit, and the Chief Justice ordered the completion of the audit report within two weeks. The report is to be submitted to the court for further consideration.
The Chief Justice clarified that the court would not interfere as the club’s affairs involved commercial deals, and he suggested that the parliament should address the matter through legislation. He inquired whether the club’s management had approached the government regarding the affairs of the club.
The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination informed the court about a draft prepared to address the matter. However, the club’s counsel, Naeem Bukhari, requested the court to review the draft, claiming that it appeared to be biased.
Naeem Bukhari informed the court that two sponsors had raised concerns about the contract being awarded to the lowest bidder. In response, the Chief Justice clarified that the contract was awarded to a company ranked No. 9 on the list of 15 companies.
The Chief Justice urged the completion of the audit and encouraged the club’s counsel to bring forward any objections after the report is submitted.
Naeem Bukhari mentioned that the club currently has over 1,100 members, including himself.
The Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination assured the court that the club’s affairs would be resolved within a month.
However, Naeem Bukhari informed the court that he would be leaving abroad for a month when the court summoned the audit report within two weeks. In response, the Chief Justice remarked that another bench would hear the case after one month.
