The Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed a petition that sought to halt the construction of a new track at Nathia Gali and Mushkpuri Park, clearing the way for the contracted company to proceed with the project. The decision was delivered by a two-member bench comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Farah Jamshed.
Petition Allegations and Court Proceedings
The petitioner, represented by counsel, argued that the contract for the proposed track was awarded unlawfully and that the project could harm the environment, leading to pollution. The court was requested to suspend the project and declare the contract void. However, during the hearing, Advocate Bashir Wazir, representing the contracting company, informed the bench that the government had issued a tender for the renovation and beautification of Nathia Gali Park, Mushkpuri Park, and other recreational sites.
Advocate Wazir stated that a private company, Galien, submitted the successful bid and was awarded the contract at an annual value of Rs17 million. He clarified that no new track was being constructed; instead, the project aimed at beautifying and upgrading the existing tracks and improving park facilities.
Court Ruling and Project Details
The bench, after hearing arguments, dismissed the petition, allowing the company to proceed with the project. The court noted that the project was not a new track construction but a beautification and upgrade initiative. The contract, valued at Rs17 million annually, focuses on enhancing the visitor experience at these popular tourist destinations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
