Non-construction of dams a criminal negligence: ex-CJP

MONTREAL: Former Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar said he had made it clear to Prime Minister Imran Khan that the government’s inability to construct dams would be a criminal negligence.

Speaking at an event held in connection with fundraising for the construction of water reservoirs, he said no dam had been constructed in Pakistan after the Tarbela dam. A probe should be carried out into non-construction of dams after Tarbela, he suggested. Defending his use of suo moto powers during his stint as the country’s top judge, the former adjudicator said he was proud of taking suo moto notices over matters involving the country’s sovereignty and water issues. He said he was happy that the prime minister became part of the dam fund. The ex-CJP assured people’s donations would be spent only on the construction of dams.

Speaking on the occasion, PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan said he wanted to make it clear that dams would certainly be constructed in the country. More than Rs50 million funds were being collected for the dam fund daily, he added. He said the government had already released Rs17 billion for the construction of dams.