The Lahore High Court on Friday issued a stay order halting demolition of shops at a market outside provincial capital’s historic Bhati Gate, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The possible demolition of shops outside Bhati Gate’s Sheikh Hindi Market had been challenged in the Lahore High Court.
In its order, court stayed demolition of the shops outside the Bhati Gate till further orders.
In this regard, the court issued notice to the Punjab government and PERA seeking response.
LHC’s Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition submitted by Mian Waqar Saeed and others. Mian Irfan Akram Advocate appeared on behalf of the petitioner.
Irfan Akram submitted that there are around 100 shops in Sheikh Hindi Market. Many shopkeepers have ownership rights and some have been tenants for many years, he added.
The PERA came along with Assistant Commissioner and said they have to demolish these shops.
They also marked the shops for demolition while no prior notice or information was given before.
Assistant Commissioner and PERA have given them 48 hours to vacate the shops.
The petitioners requested that the court should declare the demolition of shops null and void and issue stay order till final decision of the case.