A division bench of SHC headed by Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar adjourned the hearing of petition till October 24, 2019 after the bench was informed that issues related to bus terminal have not been resolved yet as the allotment and demarcation of land for this terminal have not been undertaken so far. Sindh Board of Revenue's attorney informed the court that department is ready to handover the land for the terminal if the payment for land acquisition was made.
BoR official submitted that Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) has to pay the amount for land, upon which bench observed that how KMC, short of funds to pay the salaries of its employees can make the payment. BoR official told the court that KMC should generate its own revenue and why provincial government should pay the amount for land acquisition on its behalf.
Court also inquired from KMC lawyer about the actions taken in this regard. KMC counsel said that Mayor Karachi is there to look into this issue, at which court remarked that he had no fund to pay the salaries and gratuity of its employees so what to talk about the payment of land for bus terminal.
Representatives of transport sector contended that the land designated for bus terminal is 55km away from the city, how the people would have the access to such a distant place.
Court also questioned about the work provincial transport minister is doing when Sindh Transport department told the court that the department is carrying out the work on a bus terminal at Super Highway.
Court putting off the hearing of case till October 24, 2019 ordered Sindh chief secretary to appear in person in the hearing to tell the court about the progress on bus terminal and ban of heavy traffic in the city.
Meanwhile, SHC division bench granted six weeks to National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to conclude the inquiry against provincial minister Taimur Talpur in "assets beyond means" case. NAB prosecutor sought more times for the completion of inquiry against Talpur when the bench resumed the hearing of case. Granting six weeks time to NAB, SHC bench warned to summon NAB officials including investigation officer of inquiry if it was not concluded in the stipulated time frame. Court adjourned the hearing of the case till Oct 29, 2019.