On Monday, Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Athar Minallah, stated that state-owned institutions cannot engage in real estate business since it is a conflict of interest.
The statements were delivered by a single bench of the IHC, which included the chief justice while hearing a lawsuit concerning the real estate business conducted by ministries and state institutions.
The IHC bench ordered Pakistan’s attorney general to finish his arguments in this matter till the next hearing so that the court may issue its judgment.
Justice Minallah questioned whether government-controlled institutions might do business directly or indirectly during the hearing. He inquired as to whether or not there was a conflict of interest.
The Deputy Attorney General Syed Tayyab Shah informed the court that, following its direction, he will provide a summary of the case to the cabinet this week.
The chief justice questioned why the administration is taking no action and instead of waiting for judicial directions. He stated that the case will be decided following the law.
He went on to say that while ruling on criminal appeals, it became clear that the state was protecting the offenders.
