CJP denies running 'anyone's campaign' while visiting Rawalpindi hospital

Sheikh Rasheed suggested the hospital should be named after CJP

RAWALPINDI: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar visited on Sunday the site of under-construction Mother and Child Hospital and Institute of Cardiology (RIC) in Rawalpindi.

Sheikh Rasheed, the petitioner in the case related to the Mother and Child Hospital and officials of the PWD were also present during the visit.

Justice Nisar directed the relevant authorities to complete the construction of Mother and Child Hospital in 18 months and lamented that the hospital's construction had been delayed for 10 years.

The CJP reprimanded the PWD chief engineer, saying that the entire structure had been destroyed. He said that the work on the project should be started immediately. He also assured that all required funds would be provided and added that the court would provide all legal assistance in this regard.



Sheikh Rasheed said that the hospital should be named after the chief justice. However, the CJP refused the offer.

Addressing the media after the visit, Justice Nisar said the perception that he was running anyone’s election campaign was incorrect and must be avoided. “I am not responsible for anyone’s election campaign,” he added.



He said he was visiting the hospitals by his own free will in a bid to resolve the patients’ problems. “The perception that I visited the hospital on Sheikh Rasheed’s request is wrong.”

The CJP also visited the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology (RIC).

Patients at the RIC informed the CJP about lack of doctors at the hospital. The chief justice also inspected the water filtration facility of the hospital and waste management plants. He tasted the drinking water and ordered the authorities concerned to send the water sample to lab for quality test.

Strict security arrangements were made on the occasion.