Islamabad: Islamabad High Court (IHC) has extended till November 28 stay order in the matter of auction of 10 cricket and 10 football grounds in Islamabad.

The court while expressing annoyance over non filing of reply by CDA has issued notice to CDA and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) again and directed them to file reply.

The petition filed by journalist Abu Bakar bin Talat president Rawalpindi-Islamabad Journalists Association came up for hearing before justice Inam Amin Minhas of IHC Thursday.

The petitioner appeared along with his counsel barrister Omar Ejaz Gillani in the court.

Lady counsel Sabeen appeared in the court on behalf of CDA and no one appeared from the side of MCI.

The court while expressing displeasure over non filing of reply from CDA inquired why you have not filed reply so far. File written reply at every cost before next hearing.

The petition said CDA is not authorized to auction grounds. Under Islamabad local government act the play grounds cannot be outsourced for commercial purpose. It is feared that the cricket and football grounds will become shut for general public due to their auction . Looking after football and cricket grounds in Islamabad is responsibility of MCI.

The court was requested to declare auction of Islamabad grounds by CDA illegal.

The court while maintaining stay order in regard to auction of play grounds adjourned hearing of the case.