The Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC) has issued instructions for the demolition of a century-old operational school in Murree to make way for the construction of a judicial complex. The Punjab government is currently in the process of acquiring the school’s land in Jhika Gali, Murree, to facilitate the development of the judicial complex.
The decision was vehemently criticized by many journalists and social media activists, especially those who belong to the area. The head of the investigation of The News, Ansar Abbasi wrote on X: “SCANDALOUS: Demolishing 100-year-old high school to build the judicial complex in Murree. On the direction (not court order) of CJLHC, the Punjab government is in the process of dispossessing the high school of its land in Jhiga Gali Murree for the construction of a Judicial complex.” And rendered the decision as “the murder of Education”, he further appealed to the authorities to take back this decision immediately.
SCANDALOUS: Demolishing 100 year old high school to build judicial complex in Murree. On the direction (not court order) of CJLHC, the Punjab government is in the process of dispossessing high school of its land in Jhiga Gali Murree for construction of Judicial complex. pic.twitter.com/qrQq2UZgie
— Ansar Abbasi (@AnsarAAbbasi) September 11, 2023
The controversy has been exacerbated by the fact that, in a meeting with provincial authorities, the Chief Justice of LHC personally directed them to accelerate the transfer of the school’s land to the judiciary in just seven days. This decision has sparked worries about the fate of the students currently attending the school, particularly in a region where educational resources are already scarce.
The Board of Revenue (Colonies Department), Punjab, has issued directives to the local administration to carry out the transfer, a decision that has drawn criticism for showing little regard for the importance of education and the school’s historical significance.
The fate of the school hangs in the balance, and it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to satisfy the concerns of the people and avoid a major controversy.