ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday asserted that the construction of Kalabagh Dam was inevitable.
A three-member bench headed by the top judge resumed hearing in a case pertaining to the construction of Kalabagh Dam where former chairman Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Shamsul Mulk presented arguments in favour of the dam.
Explaining the benefits, he cited China generating around 30,000 megawatts of electricity from dams. “Even India has more than 4,000 dams,” he said. “We lose billions due to the non-construction of dams.”
During court proceedings, Justice Nisar expressed dismay over democratic government’s failure to reach a consensus on the Kalabagh Dam. He inquired about the consequences of not constructing dams. “All four provinces will benefit from construction of new dams. It is not about Kalabagh dam, it is about Pakistan,” he remarked.
The top judge remarked that Quetta and areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa were already facing water shortage.
“I am thinking of halting judicial matter to plan a water seminar instead,” said Justice Nisar.
Shortly after, CJP addressed a seminar on Water Crisis and Construction of Dams. “It is the duty of the Supreme Court to enforce fundamental rights. We will take the dams issue seriously,” he said.
Agencies add: During the hearing of the case, the CJP remarked that Kalabagh Dam issue is not that simple therefore; it should be renamed as ‘Pakistan Dam’.
CJP asserted that if Pakistan does not construct Kalabagh dam, the situation of water crisis will become worse after five years.
“The Supreme Court will form its own team over the issue,” the CJP asserted.
Former chairman of WAPDA Shamsul Mulk told the court that he considers that only CJP Nisar can do justice in the matter.
“Mr Mulk! We have to resolve the issue of water crisis on emergency basis. If Kalabagh Dam is not constructed, KPK will be totally deprived of water,” remarked the CJP.
The CJP stressed that all the four provinces have to render sacrifices for the construction of dams.