Go home if you do not have powers: CJP tells Mayor Karachi

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed has lambasted Sindh government and Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhter over the prevailing situation of the metropolis.

The SC bench, under Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmed, heard a case related to billboards being swept away during strong winds and causing injuries and deaths.

During the hearing, the chief justice pointed out the complaints of Mayor Karachi regarding the lack of powers. In this regard, the CJP said, “Go home if you do not have authority; why are you sitting as a mayor?”

Later, the Chief Justice inquired about the tenure of the mayor, to which Waseem Akhter responded that he will leave the post on August 28. “Go, leave the city be. The Mayor is responsible for the destruction of the city during their tenure,” he added.

CJP Gulzar also equally criticized Sindh chief minister and members of his cabinet for paying visits to the city in luxury vehicles instead of taking stern measures to solve the problems of the city.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan also directed the concerned officials to remove all the billboards and signboards across the city.

 “The entire city is full of billboards,” said the judge, adding that if these fall down then they can cause severe damage. He also asked Commissioner Karachi Iftikhar Shalwani to submit a report on the matter.

‘K-Electric issue’

The Supreme Court of Pakistan then lambasted the K-Electric, saying that it will issue an order against KE. “Daily, almost 8 to 10 people die due to electrocution. What measures you have taken in this regard,” he asked.  

“A case should be registered against KE and its entire administration should be placed on the ECL,” CJP remarked. He added that the directors of the power supplier should be arrested and sent to jail.