ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday took Suo Moto notice of increasing water shortage and supply deficiency throughout the country.
Mian Saqib Nisar also declared that he will request interim Prime Minister Justice (r) Nasirul Mulk to monitor the water insufficiency issue in the federal capital by himself.
This statement was passed at a three-member bench of the apex court, headed by the CJP, in Islamabad.
Furthermore, CJP mention that the caretaker government shall not liquefy until this issue is handled properly. He observed, “Reports are presented but there is no progress in the case.”
During the hearing, the additional attorney general submitted a report to the top court.
It is expected that on June 7, the Supreme Court will hear cases regarding water shortage in the capital. Whereas, apex court’s Karachi and Lahore registries will hold hearings on June 9 and 10, respectively.
The chief justice will also hear cases related to water issues in the Peshawar and Quetta registries.
The SC issued notices to top officials from the Capital Administration and Development Division as well as the attorney general, advocate general, and others, and stipulated justification regarding the water shortage in the capital.
Chief Justice Nisar inquired the attorney general about the sources of supply of water to Islamabad, adding that he would request the interim Prime Minister Nasirul Mulk to personally monitor the water shortage issue.
According to last hearing on June 8, the CJP had said that tubewell owners in the federal capital are acquiring water for free and selling it to residents, gaining money and causing frequent water shortages.
Earlier this month, Justice Nisar had taken a suo moto notice of the water crisis in the country, saying that it would be the Supreme Court’s “top priority” in the weeks ahead.
He also said, “What have we done for our children if we can’t even provide them water?”
Justice Nisar showed his apprehension over the dam built on the Kishanganga River by India as it is a part of Kishanganga hydropower plant project.
He added that Neelum River, which is a branch of the Indian river, has also dried up due to which water shortage shall be on ‘Top Priority’ and this matter shall be resolved as soon as possible no time.
The Supreme Court has directed the authorities concerned to take steps on war footing to address the issue of water shortages in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Meanwhile, the Chief Justice asked the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad and WASA Rawalpindi as to what steps they have taken to resolve the issue of water shortages.
The representative of MCI told the court that short, medium and long term plans have been prepared to address the issue.
He said there are also plans to build small water reservoirs in the Capital.
Hearing a suo moto notice regarding incidents of fire at Margalla hills, the chief justice directed that necessary equipment should be procured to avert such incidents.
The Chief Justice also ordered the constitution of a committee headed by Wafaqi Mohtasib to furnish recommendations within two weeks to check such disasters.
According to last hearing on June 8, the CJP had said that tubewell owners in the federal capital are acquiring water for free and selling it to residents, gaining money and causing frequent water shortages.
Earlier this month, Justice Nisar had taken a suo moto notice of the water crisis in the country, saying that it would be the Supreme Court’s “top priority” in the weeks ahead. – NNI