LAHORE: Pakistan umpire Aleem Dar has announced that he is going to contribute $10,000 to the dams fund project. “I have decided to contribute $10,000 for the dams fund initiative,” he said in a video message. Dar is amongst International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Elite Panel of Umpires and has officiated in 300 international matches across all three formats. Dar also appreciated the efforts put in by the concerned authorities in this regard by stating: “I appreciate the efforts put in by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar and government of Pakistan to construct dams in Pakistan.” He further said: “This initiative is going to be a serve as a great benefit for us and our coming generations in the future,” he said. “I would request people in Pakistan and those living overseas to come forward and contribute funds generously for this cause.” Chief Justice Nisar kick-started the initiative by donating Rs1 million for the two dams and urged all institutions and individuals to play their due role for the construction of the dams in the country. The country’s Supreme Court had directed authorities to immediately start construction of the two dams and appealed to the people, including overseas Pakistanis, to make a contribution for executing the projects. Couple of days back, Prime Minister Imran Khan also appealed to the countrymen, especially overseas Pakistanis, to generously contribute for building new dams. In a brief pre-recorded address to the nation, Prime Minister Imran described the ongoing water crisis as the biggest challenge confronting the country. He warned that if new water reservoirs were not built within seven years, the country would be facing a drought-like situation. Published in Daily Times, September 10th 2018.