KARACHI: The Hyderabad circuit bench of the Sindh High Court has issued a directive to the secretary for the forest and wildlife department of Sindh to provide clarification regarding the construction of Bahria Town Karachi-2 (BTK-2) on forestland.
Additionally, the court has also requested the secretary to submit comments addressing the official position on the matter.
As per the details, the division bench, comprising Justices Mohammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Khadim Hussain Soomro, issued the order in response to two petitions challenging the construction of BTK-2.
The petitioners raised concerns that the project was being built on forestland.
Bahria Town claimed to have purchased the land from M/S Paradise Real Estate, a private entity, which, in turn, stated that it had acquired the land from private individuals.
In its comments filed on March 2, 2023, the secretary of forest and wildlife mentioned that BTK-2 was highly likely to be situated on forestland, as indicated by the attested maps attached to the comments.
However, in subsequent comments filed on April 11, the secretary denied the previous position.
The court has instructed the secretary to clarify his stance and provide clear comments regarding the status of forestland in the area and whether BTK-2 is being constructed on forestland.
The comments should include all necessary details, and relevant notifications, and specifically address the question raised, the court ordered.
Source: DAWN
