Islamabad: The Pakistan Railways (PR) recently informed the Supreme Court (SC) of its acquisition of the 141-acre Royal Palm Golf and Country Club, situated in Lahore, from M/s Ferguson – a news source reported. The railways administration had commenced with the takeover finalisation on July 7.
As per reports, the railways ministry has assumed the responsibility for the private club in compliance with the SC’s June 28 orders.
During the course of proceedings on Wednesday, the railways secretary submitted the compliance report before a three-judge bench, headed by Justice Azmat Saeed. Moreover, the bench issued directives for notifying the Auditor General Railways to file a detailed report on this front.
Previously, the apex court had declared the agreement to lease out 141-acres of railway land to the Maxcorp/Mainland Husnain Pakistan for the construction of the club as null and void, and had ordered for the land (with all its assets and infrastructure) to be handed back to Pakistan Railways within seven days.
As per the court orders, the Railways shall take responsibility for the club and shall nominate its officer(s); or if necessary, engage a team of independent professionals to manage the club. However, the club activities that have already been booked will not convene as scheduled. The SC also ordered the chartered accountant firm AF Ferguson and Co. to hand over the records and finalise the transfer of the club management within a week.
Hazafa reveres the art of writing and has been turned into a property enthusiast by profession. Her daily survival kit includes; tea, coffee, keyboard and paperbacks.
