SC orders to form committee to probe Thar coal power project

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday has ordered to constitute a committee to conduct an audit of the Thar coal power project and the custody of inquiry was given to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case regarding alleged corruption in the project. During the hearing, the chief justice asked Thar coal project Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) Chairman Dr Samar Mubarakmand, “You claimed the country will become the richest with this project but spent billions of rupees and produced only 8 megawatt electricity.” However, the SC orders to form committee to probe Thar coal power project. The court declared lawyer Salman Akram Raja and Shehzad Elahi as the court assistant and directed to suggest name for the committee. The court also ordered Dr Samar to provide all the records to the court assistant. On the other hand, the apex court directed to take steps on war footing for provision of food and water in Thar District. A three member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar heard a case pertaining to deaths of infants in Tharparkar due to malnutrition. During the hearing, the chief justice instructed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto and former president Asif Ali Zardari for spending their money in Thar. He said that the PPP leader collect money by donations or begging but provide the facilities in Thar, adding that the death of infants must be stopped. The top judge said that this matter should be resolved on the basis of urgency. He mentioned that the steps should be taken to improve the situation in the district. Mian Saqib Nisar said all the resources should be utilized to check the mortality rate of infants. He said all the hospitals in Thar should be equipped with all facilities. The court sought a detailed report from Sindh government on Thar situation in three weeks time. Meanwhile, the three member bench has adjourned the hearing of Thar coal power project for a week. Mian Saqib Nisar said a team comprising experts and scientists will be constituted to investigate every aspect of the project.