- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, Nov 26 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday expressed strong displeasure with the Parks and Handicraft Authority during the hearing of a case related to the installation of billboards. The court remarked that billboards pose a serious threat to the lives and property of citizens, and that the authorities cannot endanger public safety merely to generate.
During the proceedings, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi observed that billboards are extremely dangerous and often collapse during storms and strong winds. He questioned whether the Authority examines the structural standards of sites before permitting billboard installations, and whether it is willing to accept responsibility if any damage occurs as a result.
Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi sharply asked the Parks Authority, “Do you want to put people’s lives at risk just for the sake of collecting fees?”
The court made it clear that the Supreme Court has already issued a ruling imposing a ban on billboards, and no permission can be granted contrary to that decision. The bench also raised questions about the mechanism used for granting billboard installation approvals.
Counsel for the Parks and Handicraft Authority requested time to review the relevant court decisions, which the bench granted. The court added that if the counsel is unable to obtain the Supreme Court ruling, it will be provided at the next hearing.
The bench further directed that at the following hearing, the Authority should consider withdrawing its appeal. It warned that if the issue of granting permission for billboards is pursued, the appeal will be dismissed with a penalty.
Subsequently, the two-member bench of the Constitutional Court adjourned the hearing for an indefinite period.