Supreme Court orders closure of three stone-crushing plants in KP

The Supreme Court (SC) ordered the closure of three crushing plants in the Suraj Gali area of Khanpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Thursday.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the stone-crushing plants affected by the order are Haji Khitab Gul Crushing Plant, Niazi One Crushing Plant, and Niazi Two Crushing Plant.

Additionally, the SC also sought a report from the KP government regarding the status of other stone-crushing plants in the region. 

SC Justice Mansoor Ali Shah questioned the Additional Advocate General about whether the crushing plants involved in the case meet the required standards.

The Additional Advocate General stated that although there are no nearby residences within 50 houses, the plants do not meet the required standards. 

He noted that various factories, including Lucky Cement, fall under this scrutiny, and stone crushers near populated areas have already been shut down.

Advocate Aitzaz Ahsan, representing the stone crushers, argued against the court order and said it would significantly impact investment.

He mentioned that some local residents intentionally create pollution. He said the crushing plants spent Rs150 million on new machinery to reduce pollution just a few days ago.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah demanded details about the machinery from the paper book and advised the stone crushers to reapply once they met the required standards. 

Representing local residents Advocate Chaudhry Imran Hassan suggested that the main case that challenges the law itself be kept pending.

Later, the three-member bench led by Justice Mansoor Ali Shah adjourned further hearings for an indefinite period.

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori