CJP orders completion of Orange Line Metro Train project by proposed dates

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar on Wednesday ordered contractors of Orange Line Metro Train (OLMT) to finish work on the project by set dates.

The chief justice remarked so during hearing of a case pertaining to the project by a three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by him.

During the hearing, Naeem Bukhari, counsel of a contractor, said the issue was regarding payment of work on the project.

At this, Justice Nisar remarked that Lahore Development Authority (LDA) should deposit cheques with the apex court and the contractors could receive those cheques after providing bank guarantee.

He ordered the contractors to finish the work by set dates in any case, saying that a non-completion of work would be considered violation of court orders.

At this, Bukhari informed the court that a Chinese company would first finish interface work and then the local contractors would start working on the project.

During the hearing, Justice Nisar termed the project a "gift" for the people of Lahore. "Do let us know the day the train becomes functional and we will also travel on it," he said.

The chief justice in his remarks praised project director Fazal Sibtain for his services, saying, "We thank him."

The hearing of the case later adjourned until January 16.