On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the Lahore High Court (LHC) restored Murree as a district, overturning the decision of the previous government that had merged the district with Rawalpindi.
The decision was made by a two-member bench comprising Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Aisha Malik, who declared the merger of Murree with Rawalpindi as unconstitutional and against the wishes of the people.
Background of the Merger
In 2020, the previous government had merged Muree with Rawalpindi to create a larger district, with the aim of better management and utilization of resources. However, this decision was met with protests from the people of Muree, who argued that it would harm their autonomy and development.
The people of Murree claimed that they had always been a separate district and had their own identity, history, and culture. They argued that merging with Rawalpindi would lead to neglect of their needs and interests.
LHC’s Decision
The Lahore High Court (LHC) acknowledged the grievances of the people of Muree and declared the merger as unconstitutional. The court observed that the merger was not based on sound administrative principles and ignored the wishes of the people.
The court further noted that Muree had its own unique geographical, cultural, and economic characteristics, which could not be adequately addressed within a larger district. The court directed the government to restore Muree as a separate district and ensure its proper development and governance.
Implications of the Decision
The restoration of Muree as a district is a significant victory for the people of Murree, who had been protesting against the merger for the past two years. The decision of the LHC has ensured that the autonomy and identity of Muree will be preserved, and its developmental needs will be addressed in a more focused manner.
The decision also highlights the importance of respecting the wishes of the people and ensuring that administrative decisions are based on sound principles and the needs of the affected communities.
Conclusion
The Lahore High Court’s decision to restore Murree as a district is a welcome move that recognizes the unique identity and needs of the people of Murree. The decision serves as a reminder that administrative decisions must be based on principles of good governance and the interests of the people, rather than arbitrary decisions of those in power.
We hope that the restoration of Murree as a district will lead to its proper development and governance and ensure a better future for the people of Murree.
Reference / Source: Pakistan Today