ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday heard arguments concerning the lease and fresh bidding process in the Royal Palm Club Lahore case, with counsel for both the private company and the government presenting their respective positions before the Court. Appearing on behalf of the private company, Senator Barrister Ali Zafar submitted that the Royal Palm Club had been taken back from his client eight years ago. He …
FCCP hears Royal Palm Club Lahore case, arguments on lease and bidding process; hearing adjourned
ISLAMABAD, Jun 17 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court on Wednesday heard arguments concerning the lease and fresh bidding process in the Royal Palm Club Lahore case, with counsel for both the private company and the government presenting their respective positions before the Court.
Appearing on behalf of the private company, Senator Barrister Ali Zafar submitted that the Royal Palm Club had been taken back from his client eight years ago. He stated that the Supreme Court had directed that a fresh lease be granted within 90 days, but despite the passage of eight years, the judgment had not been fully implemented.
He argued that continued delays on the part of the relevant authority had created uncertainty regarding the matter. He further contended that if the bidding process was being conducted transparently, his client’s application should be assessed according to the same standards and criteria applied to all other participants.
Additional Attorney General Amir Rehman informed the Court that the private company had cooperated with the audit process and that issues relating to payments had also been addressed. He submitted that the railway authorities were currently operating the club, but questions had arisen regarding certain financial matters.
He further stated that all bidders were being provided equal opportunities in the bidding process, although some applications did not proceed beyond the preliminary stage.
During the hearing, the Court was also informed that under the business plan approved by the Supreme Court, the lease period had been fixed at 25 years. However, some proposals under consideration envisaged a 35-year lease, and the legal and administrative implications of such proposals were being examined.
Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan observed that the bidding process should move forward and directed the parties to explore a workable solution to the dispute before the next hearing.
Subsequently, the Court adjourned further proceedings in the case until after the summer judicial vacations.
