Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed reprimands Karachi commissioner over slow progress of Nasla Tower demolition

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed came down hard on the Karachi commissioner after submission of the demolition report on the Nasla Tower in Karachi.

The chief justice was heading the court proceedings on Nasla Tower’s demolition case at the Karachi registry of the Supreme Court Wednesday.

“How many buildings have been demolished? How much work has been done? Tell us,” CJP Ahmed asked the Karachi commissioner.

The commissioner informed the court that authorities have started the operation to demolish Nasla Tower.

“Do not lie,” the CJP responded angrily.

“Sir, please listen to me,” the Karachi commissioner started.

“Are you in your home right now? Is this the way to speak in court?” asked Justice Qazi Amin. “Do not try to act smart,” he warned the commissioner.

“Sir, I am trying to demolish the building,” responded the commissioner.

The CJP then asked the advocate-general what grade the Karachi commissioner falls under.

“He is a grade-21 officer,” responded the advocate-general.

“Is this the way a grade-21 officer speaks in court?” asked CJP Ahmed.

“Sir, I am trying to make you understand,” stated the commissioner.

“Stop trying. You will go straight to jail from here,” the CJP warned. “We are understanding [the situation] but you aren’t. You are only passing the time,” he said.

The chief justice then remarked that authorities have not even brought down the Tijori Heights building.

“The demolition process of Tijori Heights is underway,” responded the commissioner.

“If the operation is underway, submit a report on it by afternoon, with pictures [as evidence],” replied the chief justice.

Read more: Supreme Court to demolish Nasla Tower within a week