SC reprimands out-going govt for failing to prioritise water issues
CJP order bulldozing of unclaimed properties in Islamabad
Supreme Court. PHOTO: FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The country’s top court came down hard on the previous government for failing to prioritise water issues, leading to scarcity.
During the hearing of a suo motu case pertaining to water scarcity in Islamabad, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday said the government did not devise a strategy to ensure water supply. While the demand for water was 120million gallon, the supply was stagnant at 58.7 million. “Tankers worth Rs1,500 are being sold in Islamabad,” noted Justice Nisar.
The representative of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad said due to the ineffective policies there was no other option than to utilise water from Tarbela Dam. “The government released only Rs500 million for a Rs70 billion project.”
“Were the funds arranged after prioritising water?” asked the top judge as he held ‘ruling class' responsible for the water crisis.
Observing that the water issue was a ticking bomb, CJP said water conservation capacity had not been increased. “We cannot audit the government every day.”
The apex court also heard a petition against water shortage, during which the country’s top judge remarked that he wished he could hold a begging bowl in his hands and ask for funds for the construction of dams and repayment of national debt.
Referring to former president Asif Ali Zardari and deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he said both the leaders had not achieved anything in their tenures. “The slogan asking for respect for vote should be replaced by respect for water. Respect for vote implies that the government ensured provision of basic rights of the people,” he noted.
Justice Nisar said the top court could not remain oblivious to the plights of the masses. “We need to demonstrate our commitment.”
The apex court directed Aitzaz Ahsan to serve as a coordinator for the issue and draft a water policy within two-three days. He is also instructed to submit a detail report pertaining to the water crisis, reservoirs and drinking water. The chief justice said there were outcries over shortage of water and building dams as the matter can worsen in the future.
Ahsan has been given until June 21 to submit the report. The court also summoned chief commissioner Islamabad, cantonment board officer and chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA). Malik Abrar, Zamrad Khan and Malik Mehbook – owners of tube wells, have also been summoned while the authorities have been directed to close down their wells.
SC seeks construction papers of Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence
Demolish illegal encroachments along Korangi Drain: SC
The country’s top court on Thursday directed authorities to demolish illegal encroachments along Korangi drain in Islamabad’s Bani Gala.
During the hearing of Bani Gala encroachment case, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said the apex court will not allow housing on public property. “Bulldoze unclaimed properties,” he ordered.
The court was informed by the additional attorney general that the people whose homes were found to be constructed on illegal land had consulted the federal ombudsman.
The court has given 10 days to the illegal residents to submit a reply. The hearing has been adjourned until June 24.
Earlier this year, SC had taken a suo motu case regarding illegal constructions and encroachments in Bani Gala and directed the government to submit a report regarding measures taken to control growing population in the area.
The country’s top court came down hard on the previous government for failing to prioritise water issues, leading to scarcity.
During the hearing of a suo motu case pertaining to water scarcity in Islamabad, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday said the government did not devise a strategy to ensure water supply. While the demand for water was 120million gallon, the supply was stagnant at 58.7 million. “Tankers worth Rs1,500 are being sold in Islamabad,” noted Justice Nisar.
The representative of Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad said due to the ineffective policies there was no other option than to utilise water from Tarbela Dam. “The government released only Rs500 million for a Rs70 billion project.”
Water shortage: SC calls in city bosses over crisis
“Were the funds arranged after prioritising water?” asked the top judge as he held ‘ruling class' responsible for the water crisis.
Observing that the water issue was a ticking bomb, CJP said water conservation capacity had not been increased. “We cannot audit the government every day.”
The apex court also heard a petition against water shortage, during which the country’s top judge remarked that he wished he could hold a begging bowl in his hands and ask for funds for the construction of dams and repayment of national debt.
Referring to former president Asif Ali Zardari and deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, he said both the leaders had not achieved anything in their tenures. “The slogan asking for respect for vote should be replaced by respect for water. Respect for vote implies that the government ensured provision of basic rights of the people,” he noted.
Justice Nisar said the top court could not remain oblivious to the plights of the masses. “We need to demonstrate our commitment.”
The apex court directed Aitzaz Ahsan to serve as a coordinator for the issue and draft a water policy within two-three days. He is also instructed to submit a detail report pertaining to the water crisis, reservoirs and drinking water. The chief justice said there were outcries over shortage of water and building dams as the matter can worsen in the future.
Ahsan has been given until June 21 to submit the report. The court also summoned chief commissioner Islamabad, cantonment board officer and chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA). Malik Abrar, Zamrad Khan and Malik Mehbook – owners of tube wells, have also been summoned while the authorities have been directed to close down their wells.
SC seeks construction papers of Imran Khan’s Bani Gala residence
Demolish illegal encroachments along Korangi Drain: SC
The country’s top court on Thursday directed authorities to demolish illegal encroachments along Korangi drain in Islamabad’s Bani Gala.
During the hearing of Bani Gala encroachment case, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar said the apex court will not allow housing on public property. “Bulldoze unclaimed properties,” he ordered.
The court was informed by the additional attorney general that the people whose homes were found to be constructed on illegal land had consulted the federal ombudsman.
The court has given 10 days to the illegal residents to submit a reply. The hearing has been adjourned until June 24.
Earlier this year, SC had taken a suo motu case regarding illegal constructions and encroachments in Bani Gala and directed the government to submit a report regarding measures taken to control growing population in the area.