The Indian Express
In violation of the Lahore High Court's order to suspend all work on the line within 200 feet of buildings of historical value, the Punjab government on Thursday demolished the remains of the already damaged temple.
By: PTI | Lahore | Updated: February 12, 2016 5:05 pm
Supreme Court Lahore’s registry branch, Shalimar Garden, Chauburji monument, Saint Andrew Church, GPO building, tomb of Mehrunisa, Budhu ka Awa, tomb of Baba Mauj Daria, Shah Cheragh Building, Awan-e- Auqafand and Dai Anga Tomb are other historical sites that fall on the route of the project.
The Lahore High Court in January had issued a stay order against the construction work for the metro line project within 200 feet of historical buildings along its route.
Opposition parties in Punjab Assembly have not only brought a resolution in the House against the government’s move to demolish/damage historical sites but also launched a drive to protest against the Sharif brothers (Shahbaz and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif), terming them as “builders having no care for the historical sites and people’s properties”.
Activist Kamal Mumtaz rushed to the Lahore High Court and moved a contempt petition against the government for violating its court order and continuing the construction work of metro line. He pleaded to the court to intervene and stop the government from demolition of historical sites.
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan called upon the Punjab government to review the project and desist from attacking the people’s basic rights to preservation of their heritage.