Daily Times

LONDON: Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has said that construction of dams is imperative for Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported on Thursday.

The chief justice, who is in the United Kingdom for a week-long visit, told British parliamentarians of Pakistani origin that the prevalent water crisis will force people to migrate from Pakistan if not addressed, adding that huge funds were required to construct the Diamer-Bhasha Dam.

Earlier, the chief justice visited the British Parliament. He also participated in a reception held in his honour by lawyers of central London. He praised the role of overseas Pakistanis for their parent country. “Overseas Pakistanis play a crucial role in stabilising the country’s economy,” he said.

Talking about Pakistan’s current situation, the chief justice said the country is prospering and justice is available on equal basis to all castes and creeds. “I am the chief justice of entire country and not of a particular party or sect. Requirements of justice are being fulfilled in the country,” he added.

Separately, while talking to reporters in London, the chief justice said a separate force will be formed for security of courts in Pakistan. “There is a separate force for provision of security to judges and courts in United States. We are in talks with the Interior Ministry and soon a separate force will be constituted for our courts as well,” he said.

To a question regarding cases against different political figures in the country, the chief justice said he had received an apology letter from former senator Faisal Raza Abidi. “I have asked my staff to contact Mr Abidi and they will subsequently analyse whether the former senator was feeling guilty on his statements,” he added.

Responding to another question, the chief justice said Aamir Liaquat has been indicted by the court. “His case is sub-judice and final decision will be taken in view of the available evidence,” he said.

In another interaction with journalists earlier in the day, the chief justice said his first duty was to bring about judicial reforms in the country. He dispelled the impression that there was a selective justice system in Pakistan, saying that there is only one justice system. He clarified that there was no high-profile or low-profile case for judges as a case is a case. There was talk of pressure on the judiciary in the past, but no one can imagine of it now, he added.

Published in Daily Times, November 23^rd 2018.