ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar has remarked help will be extended to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in acquiring land for Islamabad Stadium.
A three-member SC bench headed by Justice Nisar on Friday took up for hearing a petition filed by former secretary Roedad Khan, who has pleaded that a project to construct a cricket ground in Shakarparian is anti-environment.
Chairman PCB Najam Sethi appeared and informed the court project for construction of stadium was started in 2008. “Eversince I became chairman PCB it was said that stadium should not be constructed at this site.
He said it was responsibility of CDA they should not have provided land in national park. If Islamabad stadium is proved part of national park then PCB will return the land .
The SC remarked CDA should prove if stadium is part of national park or otherwise.
Najam Sethi said we don’t have any interest in the construction of cricket stadium in national park. But we have deep interest in construction of cricket stadium in Islamabad.
CJP remarked “we support sports. Sports are a healthy activity. We will help you in acquiring land for cricket stadium in Islamabad.
CJP further remarked “ we will get revive in its original shape the affected site at national park.
Najam Sethi said PCB is ready to do environment friendly work. We are with the court and environmental agency. If land is provided some where else then stadium will be constructed within 3 to 4 years.
CJP remarked if you have to work then you should promote art and culture in the country. But it should not be done so that you should go on polluting the environment by setting up fish shops and hotel in the name of culture. So many shops have been constructed around Qadafi stadium Lahore that their smoke comes in stadium,. Perhaps bread and butter of some employees of PCB come from there.
The court maintained its order for halting construction of stadium and adjourned the hearing of the case for two weeks besides seeking suggestions.