Lahore High Court Chief Justice observed here on Wednesday that federal government ought to play its role towards the construction of Kalabagh Dam (KBD). As the proceedings resumed on the petitions, the court was informed that the federal government had not submitted its reply despite court's orders. The court, however, adjourned hearing to October 29 and directed the federal government again to submit a reply.
Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that the KBD project was pending since 1952 and still no progress was made in this regard. He added it was the responsibility of federal government to develop consensus among the provinces over the construction of the mega dam as the country was under severe threat of water and power shortage. Former legal advisor to World Bank, Bashir A Malik, and others filed petitions, raising the issue of construction of KBD. The petitioners urged the court to direct the respondent government to convene a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting to decide and control the KBD project.
The CCI, Wapda and others have already submitted their reports and replies. Earlier, Wapda had said that the objections raised by KPK and Sindh provinces had been critically examined with the help of proper technical studies. And these were found to be baseless and based on lack of information.
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