Daily Times

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar has expressed dissatisfaction over prevalent conditions of availability of clean drinking water in Sindh.

A three-judge bench is hearing a constitutional petition by Shahab Usto, a citizen and lawyer, against the provincial government’s failure in providing potable water, better sanitation and a clean environment.

The court on Monday had directed Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and former nazim Mustafa Kamal to appear in person as provincial government’s reply on the issue of provision of clean drinking water and safe environment was not forthcoming.

Advocate general Sindh, home secretary and managing director of Karachi Water and Sewerage Board were also present in the court.

The court had also directed Kamal, who was nazim of the city from 2005 to 2010, to clarify whom he had asked before allotting 50 acres of land reserved for Mehmoodabad Treatment Plant to some Lines Area Preedy Street affectees.

When Murad Ali Shah came to the rostrum, the CJP remarked that the court had summoned him with great respect and dignity. “Our objective is only to rid people of this polluted water,” he said.

Justice Nisar said he was deeply saddened by the state of affairs and the court wanted to change the situation. “If you say, you and I can travel to Mithi and both of us will drink a glass of water from the stream,” he said.

A documentary film was then shown in the court about the issue of unsafe drinking water. The CJP told Shah if provincial government needed help from the court, “we will fully assist you.” Justice Nisar said he wished PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto was present in court to witness the situation. “Bilawal Bhutto would also find out the state of affairs in Larkana,” he remarked. A documentary was also shown in court about effluent discharge in Sindh.

Addressing the chief minister, Justice Faisal Arab said, “You were elected [by the people] to solve issues … but people turn towards court due to failure of the administration. Court has no desire to use administration’s authority.”

The apex court is ready to lend its support to the provincial government but the chief minister will have to give a guarantee of accomplishing the task, the CJP remarked.

Justice Nisar inquired as how much water from Indus River falls into sea annually and why this water could not be used to meet needs of Karachiites.

The chief minister responded that level of water in Indus River is very low. “Badin and Thatta are being destroyed due to shortage of water,” he said.

When CJP proposed a six-month deadline to resolve the unsafe drinking water issue, Shah responded that the task could not be accomplished in six months. On this, the CJP remarked that the administration should launch the initiative and an extension could be given if asked for.

Published in Daily Times, December 7^th 2017.