-PM seeks full compliance of Apex Court’s order
By Shakeel Ahmed
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Tuesday said that the decision regarding reopening of shopping malls, markets across the country was till Eid-ul-Fitr and it will be reviewed after Eid.
The five-member of the apex court headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed resumed hearing the suo moto case today. Other members of the bench were Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel, Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Qazi Muhammad Amin Ahmed. During the hearing, the Attorney General for Pakistan Khalid Javed Khan told the top court that coronavirus cases expected to peak in Pakistan by early June, and people were not taking the Covid-19 threat seriously after the apex court ordered to open shopping malls, markets.
Advocate General Sindh also endorsed the opinion saying the lockdown is no more effective as hairdressers, beauty salons and all other shops have allowed to open. At which, Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed stated that the reopening of these shops has nothing to do with SC remarks as police inspectors were permitting businesses to reopen after receiving bribery. “The court gave earlier orders in the wake of Eid season but it will hold another meeting after the occasion,” CJP Gulzar stated. Questioning over the policies of the Sindh govt, the CJP said that the provincial government allowing government offices to reopen, but on the other hand the private officers are still closed. The CJP again expressed dissatisfaction over government’s arrangements in quarantine centres.
“People are not getting basic facilities such as running water and clean washrooms in quarantine centres” he said. Chairman NDMA also appeared before the court and briefed the court on the government’s response to the locust attack. The apex court adjourned the hearing till June 8.
Agencies add: In compliance with the Supreme Court directive, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday directed authorities to ensure implementation of Supreme Court’s order in letter and spirit, media reported.
He issued directives while chairing a federal cabinet meeting here in Islamabad. Adviser to Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan briefed the prime minister on the SC orders. The federal cabinet discussed several agendas including the matter of outsourcing the management of three major airports of the country.
Briefing media about the decisions taken in the cabinet meeting, Federal Minister for Information Shibi Faraz said that PM Imran Khan has formed a committee on a matter to outsource major airports of the country. The committee will present recommendations on the matter in the next meeting of the cabinet.
Information Miniter Shibi Faraz said the federal cabinet has approved the installation of telemeters in order to ensure fair distribution of water among provinces.
He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered to clear all pending dues of media institutions before Eid-ul-Fitr.
