Need the government to give assurances that the army will not do business: CJ Isa

Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa has raised concerns over commercial activities being conducted on military land and sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would solely focus on defense-related matters, refraining from engaging in business ventures.

The request came up during a hearing of a petition regarding commercial activities on military-owned land.

CJP Isa highlighted instances where the army had ventured into business activities, including the establishment of marriage halls on military premises.

The Chief Justice then sought assurance from the attorney general that the army would remain the “protector” and not do any business.

“Can you get this assurance?” CJP Isa asked the attorney general. He also added that everyone should work as per their mandate.
“The army should do its own work and courts will do their job,” said CJP Isa.

In response, AGP Mansoor Usman Awan stated that as per principle, everyone should do their job.

However, CJP Isa insisted on receiving a direct assurance from the attorney general regarding the military’s commitment to refrain from business activities.

During the proceedings, the lawyer representing the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) intervened, shedding light on the dispute involving a building constructed on ETPB-owned land. Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar remarked on the ETPB’s passive role during the building’s construction.

CJP Isa underscored the necessity of investigating the involvement of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) in the construction process. He called for a thorough examination of assets belonging to SBCA officers above the rank of inspector, emphasizing the need for transparency.

“The Karachi sub registry’s assets should also be audited by the FBR. The residents of demolished buildings should receive money from all assets beyond means,” said the CJP. He also added that the Sindh government would never do an inquiry on this.

The DG informed the court that currently there are 1,400 employees with the SCBA out of which 600 are building inspectors and 300 are senior inspectors.