Daily Times

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday observed that though he was recently criticised for visiting Mayo Hospital, he did not care about criticism as it was his duty to ensure that the fundamental rights of the people were protected.

Justice Nisar made the remark while hearing a petition filed by Advocate Shahab Osto in the Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry against the province’s authorities for their alleged failure to provide clean drinking water and environment to the people of Sindh.

“I cannot say what I saw at the Mayo Hospital,” the CJP recalled. “I have no interest in becoming a leader, but I will continue to provide masses with fundamental rights,” he said, referring to articles 199 and 184 of the constitution, which allow the courts to step in for the protection of fundamental rights.

Taking on the past and present rulers of the country, he said, “No driver or labourer has ever brought any harm to the country. It is those who have been in power that are responsible for its afflictions.”

He recalled that the Sindh chief minister had complained that his hands had been tied by the court, but added that the court “is ready to give him all freedom if he shows any progress”.

Of the 550 million gallons of water provided to Karachi from Keenjhar Lake everyday, only 260m gallons is treated, Managing Director (MD) Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) Hashim Raza Zaidi informed the court on Saturday.

Justice Nisar remarked that there seemed to have been no progress since the Sindh Water Commission began its investigation nine months ago.

“If I do not fulfil my responsibilities as the chief justice, I have no right to remain at my position,” the CJP remarked, asking the MD KWSB to explain why he should remain on his position.

The CJP also ordered the province’s chief secretary to ensure an end to the “tanker mafia” in Karachi within two months and before the next general election.

“This is about the lives of our children.” Justice Saqib Nisar said, adding that the SC was the custodian of fundamental rights of citizens and would not allow for them to be taken away.

Published in Daily Times, December 24^th 2017.