CJP takes notice of loss to properties, lives

Bench asks Haris to submit written formulations in the case

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday took notice of the damages caused to the lives and private properties during protest sit-ins that erupted across the country last week in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to acquit blasphemy accused Aasia Bibi.

“The Hon’ble CJP … has taken notice of huge losses of property and lives caused to general public by riots and mobs in response to the SC judgment so as to compensate the sufferings of the victims who lost their valuables or properties during tragic incidents,” said a notification issued on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the chief justice has asked both the federal and provincial governments to submit reports about the damages within three days.

It said the notice was taken on media reports that showed huge losses caused to the general public on account of the judgment.

“Taking notice of the issue, the Hon’ble CJP has called report containing details of estimated loss, from the federal as well all provincial governments within three days.”

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry had also announced that the federal government would compensate every citizen who suffered losses due to the protests that continued for three days.

“The federal government has already directed provinces to submit details of the losses incurred during protest by tonight (Monday). The government would compensate every citizen who suffered losses due to the protests,” Chaudhry had told a press conference.