Kalabagh Dam to be constructed at any cost, remarks CJP

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday, while hearing the Kalabagh dam case, remarked that Kalabagh dam will be constructed at any cost. A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by the CJP heard the Kalabagh Dam case. Judicial advisor former Chairman WAPDA Engineer Shamsul Mulk was present in court. Lawyer Aitzaz Ahsan is also serving as amicus curiae on the case. "Kalabagh dam will be constructed at any cost. I do not know that the dam may be constructed in my life or not. First of all, the Supreme Court will take part in the in the construction of dam," the CJP remarked during the hearing. The chief justice also said that Malik Riaz is also present in the courtroom, adding that he will give money for construction of dam. He also said that all of the four provinces should have agreed on the construction of dam. The chief justice said the three provincial assemblies have passed resolutions against Kalabagh Dam and we do not want breach in the brotherhood of provinces. The Chief Justice, however, said that the country requires new dams and the apex court will play its role in this regard. Mian Saqib Nisar said a commission or a committee will be constituted to discuss the matter and find solution. He said we should concentrate on the projects on which there is no controversy. He regretted that people do not have access to clean drinking water while the agriculture sector has also been affected by water scarcity. Former Chairman WAPDA Shamsul Mulk appeared before the court today and gave a detailed briefing about different dams. He said Pakistan has not built any major water reservoir since Tarbela and Mangla dams. He said this was a criminal negligence on part of the relevant authorites. He said while Pakistan lacks behind India has constructed 4500 dams and China 22000 dams. Earlier in previous hearing, CJP Saqib Nisar observed that ending the shortage of water is a priority for the court.  “We will find a legal solution to secure our children’s future,” said the chief justice and ordered scheduling of hearings for other cases related to water scarcity and construction of dams.