Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar on Tuesday remarked that Pakistani nation is not willing to give even a rupee to the government for construction of dams.

CJP while hearing  a suo moto notice case pertaining to construction of dams summoned Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Information secretary, Finance secretary and Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) officials to appear before the court to explain the surfacing misunderstandings over building of dams.

During the hearing, the apex court Judge said that advertisements and media reports suggest that the fund account for construction of dams has been made by the government.

He added that Finance Minister said that she had opened the account. CJP Nisar remarked that “the interim finance minister has not been summoned out of respect”, adding it is not respectable to summon women to court.

CJP Nisar further said that the SBP has been so far the factor creating problems, opening an account in three days when it only takes a few hours. He added that those coming in to give funds faced  issues.

The top judge said that Information Minister and SBP are not playing their role responsibly, adding that since 1996 no  work has been done for the construction of dams.

He added that since the government has opened the account people are hesitant and not ready to give in even a rupee for the cause, however, many people have submitted cheques to the registrar.

During the hearing CJP Nisar clarified that the fund  account has been opened by the court and is under the regulation of the registrar.

He remarked that “Will not let even a rupee be taken as commission from the funds nor will let the construction of dams be an example of corruption”.

CJP Nisar directed Attorney General to discuss the matter with the interim Prime Minister.

Earlier Supreme Court (SC) had ordered the federal government to construct Basha Dam and Mohmand Dam at once, summoning a report on the matter within 3 weeks.

SC ordered that an account in the name of the registrar be opened and urged the people to give funds for the construction of the dams.