LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday appeared before the Supreme Court Lahore registry in a suo motu case regarding the provision of clean drinking water to people and the disposal of large quantities of untreated wastewater.
During the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar welcomed the chief minister in court and thanked him for his appearance, saying: “Mian Sahib I have a feeling you will be the next prime minister of Pakistan.”
“Whosoever holds the power in next general elections, should seriously consider you as the prime minister,” the CJP told the CM on a lighter note.
On this, Shehbaz Sharif replied, “Why are you after my job?”.
The chief justice responded, “Your own people are after you.” He added, “I assure you there will be free and fair elections in the country from now on. I keep repeating this”.
The CM informed the court about various power and water development projects underway in Punjab, which was appreciated by the bench.
The CJP also termed Punjab’s performance better than other provinces of Pakistan, saying “you (Shehbaz Sharif) are the only politician who respects the apex court.”
With regards to the clean water case, the chief justice remarked that the water in his own chamber was found contaminated. Shehbaz assured the court to resolve the problem.
After assuring the court that the provincial government will provide a comprehensive plan regarding safe drinking water within three days, Shehbaz exited the courtroom.
