Sindh govt seeks extension in water commission’s mandate

There are still several projects that require special focus, says Sindh advocate-general


Our Correspondent January 13, 2019
There are still several projects that require special focus, says Sindh advocate-general. PHOTO: FILE

HYDERABAD: As the Supreme Court-mandated Water Commission approaches its expiry on January 15, Sindh Advocate-General (AG) Salman Talibuddin has requested for continuation of the commission. "The commission needs to continue working till the objectives are completely accomplished," the AG said during a hearing of the commission in Karachi on Saturday, conducted by its outgoing chairman Justice (r) Amir Hani Muslim.

He said that the commission can ensure better monitoring of the water supply, drainage, solid waste disposal and other projects which have been initiated on its orders. "In addition there may be other schemes in the formative stages which will also be better monitored by the commission."

Talibuddin pointed out several projects which were still in the assessment level and required commission's oversight. "Continuation of the commission would be in the interest of larger public good."

Advocate Shuhab Usto, on whose petition the Supreme Court had formed the commission over two years ago, also made a similar plea at the hearing. He seconded the AG to request that the commission should continue.

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Justice (r) Muslim said only the Supreme Court could consider their request. He told that he had already written to the court that he wanted to step down due to personal reasons after completion of his one-year tenure. The court has already accepted his submission.

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Meanwhile, on the issue of objection raised by Sindh additional advocate-general during submission of the commission's final report in the apex court on January 9, the AG Talibuddin tendered an apology. He informed that on instructions of the provincial government, the province's law officer will record 'no objection' over the report during the upcoming hearing in Islamabad on January 14. "The statement made [in the court] by additional AG was without instructions."

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2019.

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