Nuclear power plants: SHC seeks assistance from lawyer

A group of four citizens have challenged the construction of the two plants


Our Correspondent November 26, 2014

KARACHI:


The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday appointed lawyer Mukhdoom Ali Khan as Amicus Curiae to assist the court in deciding a petition challenging the construction of two nuclear power plants in Karachi.


Meanwhile, the bench, headed by SHC chief justice Maqbool Baqar, further extended its previous interim order, restraining the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) from commencing work on the plants until December 5.



A group of four citizens - filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, physicists Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy and Dr Abdul Hameed Nayyar and architect Arif Belgaumi - had challenged the construction of the two plants, claiming that it was not complying with environmental laws.

On the other hand, PAEC and the Pakistan Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority have argued that the plants are safe for both humans and the environment.

The two judges directed the petitioners' lawyer to provide the entire record of the case to the Amicus Curiae by Thursday without fail so that he could prepare and help the court.

The matter will be taken up on December 5.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2014.

COMMENTS (5)

Sumreen | 9 years ago | Reply

I support the nuclear reactors. Pakistan has had an impeccable safety record of maintaining nuclear power generation. Developed countries took the same risks 100 years ago to literally “fuel” economic development and Pakistan must do the same. The people building and maintaining the reactors aren’t fools, they are highly trained and educated engineers dedicated to the safe and effective use of nuclear technlology. Pessimists will be pessimists, we have to move forward.

Fida Haq | 9 years ago | Reply

On one hand people are protesting against massive power cuts, on the other hand when government take some serious steps to eradicate power crisis, handful people create hurdles. Karachi nuclear power plants has enough potential to generate power but its delay will create troubles for the entire economy.

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