The Islamabad High Court has issued notices to the federal government, Pakistan Cricket Board, Capital Development Authority and other authorities over an appeal challenging the dismissal of a petition against the construction of an international cricket stadium and sports arena in the capital.
A division bench comprising Justice Inaam Ameen Minhas and Justice Shah Rukh Arjumand heard the intra-court appeal filed by Hamid Nawaz and Muhammad Khurram Javed.
The respondents include the federal government, PCB, CDA, Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, Ministry of Climate Change and Chairperson of the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board.
In their appeal, the petitioners argued that the project would involve land in Zone III of Islamabad, including Sector D-12 and the village of Shah Allah Ditta.
They said the project requires scrutiny of its environmental impact, particularly on wildlife, natural landscapes, and ecological preservation.
They also argued that relevant international legal obligations, including the United Nations Charter, should be considered.
According to the petitioners, land was initially allocated in Sector D-12 for a stadium, but the project was later expanded into a proposed Olympic Village with a football ground, hockey stadium and other facilities.
They contended that the expanded development would need far more land than originally allocated and could harm natural landscapes, biodiversity, ecosystems and wildlife.
The petitioners asked the court to set aside the single bench’s order that upheld the decision to allocate land for the stadium.
They also sought to have the electronic bidding process, procurement procedures and related arrangements declared unlawful and quashed.
The court has sought responses from the respondents, and further proceedings will determine the issues raised in the appeal.
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