Construction On Lahore's Metro Train Was Finally Allowed But People Are Absolutely Furious With Punjab Government

By Alveena Jadoon | 12 Dec, 2017

The story of the Orange Line Metro Train is one of countless blatant violations of the law, deceiving the public, and getting what you want by hook or by crook.

Last year, a petition was filed by Kamil Khan Mumtaz in the Lahore High Court (LHC) challenging the construction of the Orange Line within 200 feet of 11 heritage sites. As a result, a stay order was issued to stop the construction until further notice.

 

There was a lot of outcry on social media against the construction of Orange Line when it began

 

The reaction from the Punjab government was very defensive and Chief  Minister Shahbaz Sharif said no historical places will be harmed

He alleged that it was propaganda by opposition parties to derail the government’s plans.

Via: Facebook

However, a two-member commission constituted by the LHC found violations at five of the 11 heritage sites in June where construction on the Orange Line Metro Train had been stopped.

These heritage sites are protected by the Punjab Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance, 1985 and Antiquity Act, 1975. Since laws in our country are only texts in the constitution and abiding by it is against the norm set by the ruling elite; our government refused to stop construction near the heritage sites as ordered by the LHC and challenged the decision in the Supreme Court (SC).

 

People disputed the Punjab Government’s claims by presenting evidence of how the Orange Line was indeed obstructing lives

Here is a short documentary capturing the plight of people after the construction of Orange Line started, it shows interaction with those who live and work near the construction sites:

Orange Line Metro Train: Is govt following court orders?

Here are the thoughts of the individuals who live and work near the OLMT construction sitesLink for Part 2: https://www.facebook.com/thenationdaily/videos/10153891704316712/

Posted by The Nation on Freitag, 4. November 2016

 

Individual organizations have also been complaining about the construction – particularly Lahore Bachao

ORANGE TRAIN. Fact Check.Shehbaz Sharif stated on 9th October 2017. 1) Orange Line infrastructure is 75% complete. 2)…

Posted by Maryam Hussain on Montag, 23. Oktober 2017

 

After the Supreme Court verdict to allow the construction of the Orange Line, a verdict which was pending since March this year – there is a huge outcry on social media against allowing the metro train to be constructed over Lahore’s history

ORANGE LINE. 9. 12. 2017.The orange line verdict came yesterday. 4 of 5 judges have essentially removed legal protection…

Posted by Maryam Hussain on Freitag, 8. Dezember 2017

 

Lawyer Azhar Siddique also commented on the factual errors and misrepresentation of the case by the Government, in the Supreme Court

ORANGE TRAIN 9.12.2017 Mr Azhar Siddique, Lawyer for the Orange Train on a fraction of the factual errors and blatant misrepresentations in the Supreme Court judgement. Please do share widely. At least let it be known that the people are watching, and are not fooled.

Posted by Maryam Hussain on Samstag, 9. Dezember 2017

With a population of 1.13 million, Lahore desperately needs a better transport system. There is no denying that the building of roads and a public transport system is what this hub needs at the moment. However, the destruction of heritage sites is something which needs to be considered. People, who are protesting, are not against the idea of development – rather the idea of losing history as we develop.

 


Cover image via: Malik Sajjad / dawn.com

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