SC seeks report on buildings falling in Danger Zone
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry has remarked colossal loss has been caused to the country in October 8 earthquake and no more damage will be tolerated, therefore, the concerned authorities should present report on which areas fall in danger zone.
The chief justice gave these remarks during the hearing of Margalla tower collapse case here Tuesday. Full bench of the Supreme court comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Khar Muhammad Chaudhry, Justice Nawaz Abbasi and Justice Tassadaq Hussain Jillani heard the case. Sharif ud Din Pirzada, Dr Babar Awan and Chaudhry Mushtaq appeared on behalf of affectees of Margalla Tower. Sharif ud Din Pirzada presented model building code of 30 countries which fall in seismic zone.
Chief Justice observed that copies of model code be provided to attorney general of Pakistan, four advocate generals and CDA besides the court so that they could benefit from them. Chief secretaries of all the four provinces have been directed to appear before the court on next hearing and present the report about the areas which fall in danger zone. Punjab and Balochistan have submitted their reports but danger zones have not been identified. On the other hand Punjab and NWFP have not furnished report. Chief Justice expressed displeasure over it. Chief geologist told the apex court that a committee had been set up comprising quake experts and experts geologists. " We be allowed time and we will compile the report and submit it. A letter has been received in the Supreme court from the owner of Margalla towers Ramzan Khokhar who is settled in London. He has sought assurance that he is ready to face cases in Pakistan provided he is not arrested nor harassed.
The SC asked Sharif ud Din Pirzada who said he had no objection if Riaz Khokhar wanted to come to Pakistan adding that we welcome Riaz Khokhar.
Supreme Court directed Ramzan Khokhar to present the details of assets and bank accounts held by him and his wife in foreign counties, come to Pakistan and he would be provided protection.
Dr Babar Awan told the court a countless schools and colleges had collapsed in the quake and several students lost their lives. Their families should be provided assistance. The SC directed the NWFP chief secretary to provide the list of college and university students who were killed in the quake besides stating what action had been initiated by the NWFP government against the persons and departments at fault. The SC also made secretary Northern areas and chief commissioner Islamabad respondents, summoned them and adjourned the hearing till February, 7.