In pursuance of the directions passed by Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb of Islamabad High Court (IHC) on a public interest petition by Senator (r.) Abbas Afridi, the National Highways and Motorways Police (NH&MP) has issued a notification announcing strict enforcement of Axle Load Laws in the country.
Talking to TLTP , retired Senator Afridi expressed satisfaction over the court decision, saying implementation of the IHC orders in the matter will ensure the safety of countrywide road infrastructure in addition to the national kitty loss of Rs. 53.5 billion on account of the damage caused by non-implementation of axle-load related laws.
Speaking to TLTP, Umer Ijaz Gilani ASC, who was representing one of the public interest litigants said: “This announcement is a great victory for those of us who have been campaigning for this cause. It will not only help protect the valuable infrastructure of this country but also save lives. Credit goes to Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb whose 2019 judgment and subsequent judicial activism, ultimately made the authorities budge – It also reinforces our faith in the judiciary and its ability to bring about positive change. All those orders and hearings are not in vain.”
He informed earlier, the IHC had passed a judgment reported as …. directing strict enforcement of Axle Load Laws. The NHA and NHMP have previously been lax in enforcing these laws, which leads to billions of rupees of loss to road infrastructure of the country. This issue was recently highlighted by Senator (r.) Abbas Afridi who moved a contempt petition in the IHC. The Court directed Secretary Communications and Attorney General of Pakistan to meet with Mr. Afridi and devise a way forward.
