ISLAMABAD: During the hearing of a case related to the feeling of deprivation in remote areas, Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that if you go down the motorway, the condition of the roads is known.
A three-member bench headed by Justice Umar Ata Bandial heard the case in the Supreme Court.
Petitioner Raja Nasir said that the National Economic Council should meet twice a year, not convening a regular meeting of the Economic Council is a violation of the constitutional mandate, the distribution of resources at the provincial level should be balanced and on the principle of equality.
Justice Omar Ata Bandial remarked that in many areas of the provinces, more attention is being given than necessary. There are also areas in the provinces where the people are being completely ignored.
He said that drinking water was not even available in many areas of Balochistan. If you go down the motorway, you can see the condition of the roads. There are excellent schools in the cities while the condition of education in the rural areas is bad.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial in his remarks further said that balanced development and equitable distribution of resources is a constitutional responsibility.
Petitioner Raja Nasir said that billions of rupees are spent in Lahore, the people of other provinces are left screaming.
Justice Muneeb Akhtar remarked that it is not the job of the court to formulate a national economic policy. How can the court say which district should be given funds?
Justice Umar Ata Bandial said that the standard of the court in the cases of Article 184 III has become stricter, the case of Article 184 III is not normal, it is a serious matter.
Justice Omar Ata Bandial while talking to the petitioner said that your petition is good but amend it, there is a difference between the petition and the arguments of the petition.
The Supreme Court later allowed the petitioner to amend the constitutional petition.