The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday ordered the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination to take steps for enacting laws relating to the Gun and Country Club, Islamabad, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
A three-member bench of the SC, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Umar Ata Bandial, heard the case of which the apex court had taken suo motu notice.
The court also ordered the ministry to name the firm for conducting audit of the club.
The court, on the occasion, expressed its displeasure with club member Naeem Bukhari.
Addressing Bukhari, CJP Bandial remarked that you used inappropriate words for a federal secretary. “Such use of language was not expected of you,” he said, and added the court could not allow the character assassination of any person.
Speaking on the occasion, counsel for Bukhari said that a private firm was demanding Rs6.5 million for the club’s audit. “The Capital Development Authority (CDA), on the other hand, has asked us to submit Rs40 million in property tax,” he said, adding, “We are ready to pay the amount. But it is requested that first of all we should be allowed to give the club on lease.”
The CJP said that the club had amassed between Rs400 to Rs500 million.
He further said that the club’s land belonged to the CDA. “At least pay some amount to the Authority first,” the CJP remarked, and added, “After making the payment, you can talk about giving the land on lease.”
The court then adjourned hearing of the case for an indefinite time period.
Reporter: Amanat Gishkori