LONDON – Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, who is in the United Kingdom for a fund-raising campaign for dams, gave a clear message that no one should think of impeding the construction of new water reservoirs in the country.
Addressing a ceremony, the top judge highlighted that Pakistan is facing serious water issues, which can create massive trouble in the future if not addressed.
“Why the Diamer-Basha and Mohmand dams are not built till to date and who showed negligence in the past 40 years,” the chief justice questioned.
Replying to the sentiments against the consturction of dams in Sindh province, CJP Nisar said: “Not single but multiple dams will be constructed in Sindh”.
In Balochistan, people are facing problems pertaining to education, health and water, he said, besides lamenting over the depleting underground water level in the province.
He reiterated that the apex court has issued order for the construction of the water reserviour. The chief justice also directed the government to implement the court orders.
“Raising funds for dams is not the basic purpose but creating awareness among people is,” he said, adding: “Today the awareness campaign has been launched”.
Motivating the Pakistan expats, the chief justice cited the example of his granddaughter stating that she had deposited funds for dams from his reserves.
“The children of the Supreme Court judge took part in the campaign by selling their toys,” he said, adding that no one can hinder this campaign when it is taken up by children.
Shedding light on social injustice in the country, the chief justice said: “Injustice with orphans and widows can create anarchy in the state”.
On Thursday, Mian Saqib Nisar while talking to Pakistan-born members of the British Parliament declared the construction of dams imperative for the country.
He said that heavy funds are required to build Diamer Bhasha Dam, adding that overseas Pakistanis wanted to donate for them.
He feared that people have to migrate in future if the water crisis was not addressed in a timely manner.
Justice Saqib Nisar also visited the British Parliament and witnessed the question-answer session of the house yesterday.
The chief justice headed to the UK on a week-long trip on Tuesday to raise funds for Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.
The top judge is actively searching for funds for the construction of dams as experts have warned that Pakistan will dry out after 2025 if adequate measures are not made.
The bank account bearing account No.03-593-299999-001-4 and IBAN No. PK06SBPP0035932999990014 was opened after the CJP was briefed about the worsening water crisis in the country which could only be capped by the construction of new dams.
The CJP donated Rs 1 million for the dams fund and asked his countrymen to follow suit. Pakistan’s armed forces have contributed Rs 1 billion for the cause.
Prime Minister Imran Khan has also urged the citizens to actively take part and donate to the fund so that dams are built to save future generations.
