LAHORE: The Lahore High Court chief justice on Wednesday directed a commission, already formed by the court, to submit its report about alleged illegal construction being carried out inside the Walled City and action taken by the authorities.

Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing a petition moved by residents of the Walled City challenging construction of multi-storey commercial buildings in their areas.

At the outset of the hearing, two directors of Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) appeared before the court and stated that new rules and regulation were made to control illegal construction and encroachment.

The officers also presented a draft of master conservation/redevelopment plan before the court.

A police officer told the court that 151 cases had been registered against individuals for violating Walled City Act 2012 and175 violators were facing trial.

The chief justice adjourned hearing till first week of December and directed the commission headed by architect Kamil Khan Mumtaz to submit its report on the the illegal construction.

Earlier, the petitioner`s counsel stated that the authority had failed to implement the court`s stay order against multi-storey buildings inside the Walled City. He said the WCLA was responsible to preserve the Walled City, a national heritage.

He said the developers, especially residents of the area, got permission from the town municipal administration for constructions in the area while Lahore Development Authority (LDA) was also responsible for approving maps of the new buildings in the area.

The counsel asked the court to order demolition of all illegal buildings and action against officials who had authorised commercial activities and constructions within the jurisdiction of the Walled City.