Daily Times

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah Saturday met Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar to discuss purported lack of cooperation by the provincial government in the fake bank accounts case. Speaking to media after the meeting, the chief minister said he informed the top judge that the joint investigation team (JIT) constituted to probe money laundering case has sought a detailed record of last 10 years and the same is being provided to them, however it will take some time to furnish the complete record.

Shah said there are about 80 engineers in the Irrigation and Works & Services departments. “We have asked all of them to provide record of the contracts they have awarded during the last 10 years. Of course, it is a time-consuming job to compile details of such a long period,” he said, adding that the JIT wanted provision of such a huge record within two days which was not possible. He said the chief justice appreciated the provincial government for cooperating with the investigators.

“My meeting with the chief justice was held in a pleasant atmosphere,” the chief minister said, and added that he briefed the chief justice about government’s initiatives for the betterment of the people of Thar. “I briefed the chief justice about health facilities established in Thar. I requested him to visit Thar with me and witness the efforts we have made in health, education, infrastructure, livelihood and energy sectors,” he said, and added that he was happy that the chief justice accepted his invitation.

Shah proudly said that the chief justice told him that he [CJP] had visited hospitals of KP but the hospitals of Karachi were much better than those of KP. “I have requested the chief justice to visit NICVD and he has kindly agreed to my request,” he said.

Replying to a question, the chief minister said that the Bhasha Dam project was actually conceived and approved by the PPP government in 2010. “I have given a proposal to the chief justice to meet with ANG Abbasi who has done a great work in the water sector,” he said, and added that once the meeting is held, a committee could be constituted to identify the quantum of water which could be brought in the system and explore ways and means to conserve the water.

The chief justice said that lifting of garbage from the city was the job of the government but he had taken notice just to wake up the authorities concerned and create awareness among the people about the problem, according to the chief minister.

To a question, the chief minister said PPP’s stance on the 18th amendment was very loud and clear. “If anybody attempts to roll it back, I can’t do anything but it is not as easy as is being thought,” he said, and added that the provinces should be made more autonomous instead of making attempts to take away their autonomy.

Talking about Pakistan Quarters operation, Shah said police did not consult with the district administration but coordinated with land department of the federal government and launched an operation. “I have ordered an inquiry into the matter and action would be taken accordingly,” he said.

Published in Daily Times, October 28^th 2018.