The Federal Constitutional Court has taken a firm stance against the Parks and Handicrafts Authority in a case concerning the installation of billboards. A two-member bench, while hearing the matter, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the authority’s request for permission to install billboards.
Pakistan Not Advancing at Its True Potential, Says Mian Amer Mahmood
During the proceedings, Justice Hasan Azhar Rizvi remarked that billboards pose a serious danger to public safety. He criticized the authority for prioritizing fee collection over human lives, questioning, “Will you stoop this low for money? Are you willing to endanger lives just to earn fees? If a billboard collapses and causes damage, who will be responsible?” He further asked whether the authority was prepared to accept liability for any loss of life or property caused by such installations.
The bench also raised concerns about the mechanism and structural standards used for erecting billboards. Justice Rizvi noted that billboards frequently collapse during storms and questioned whether construction standards are assessed before granting approvals. He reminded the authority that the Supreme Court has already imposed a ban on billboards.
Counsel for the Parks and Handicrafts Authority requested additional time to review previous court rulings on the matter. Granting the request, Justice Rizvi stated that if the authority is unable to locate the relevant judgment, the court will provide it at the next hearing. He warned that if the authority persists in arguing for billboard permissions, the appeal will be dismissed with a fine.
The court adjourned the case indefinitely, cautioning that strict action will be taken at the next hearing.
