Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday said they would not tolerate criticism on dam's construction from any politician no matter how high position he is holding as the dams have to be built at all costs. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday while talking to the media at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam said he was not against the construction of the Bhasha Dam but had "some reservations" about its "location and availability of water in the system" in such a quantity that the dam could be filled.
A three-member bench, headed by the chief justice was hearing a suo motu on the construction of Dadocha Dam. The CJP remarked yesterday (Tuesday) a politician said the chief justice should form a political party. There is no need to say this because it is a matter of fundamental rights.
Justice Saqib said those who are opposing the construction of dams are working on someone's agenda that the dams should not be built in Pakistan. He said they would not compromise on the dam issue. "No matter how important a politician whether he is opposition leader or holding other important post." "We will complete the agenda of dams' construction and they have to be constructed at all costs."
The chief justice said the dams would be built for the future generations. The bench directed the Punjab government to cooperate with Bahria Town on construction of Dadocha Dam. The Joint Venture Committee submits its recommendations in writing. The court directed the Punjab Irrigation Department to examine them.
The chief justice said that if the Irrigation Department is not satisfied with the JV recommendations then it should apprise the court. He said if the Punjab government rejects the JV recommendations then it should place its own proposals regarding the construction of Dadocha Dam before the court.
The Punjab government should apprise the apex court that when the Dadocha Dam will be completed and how much would be its cost. During the proceedings, the Secretary Irrigation Department informed that the provincial government has allocated funds for the Dam, adding that 11,000 kanals adjacent to Dam land is of Bahria Town and Defence Housing Authority. The chief justice inquired from the secretary what problems they are facing to get the dam constructed by Bahria Town.
The chief justice remarked he knew that the commission mafia is creating hurdles. "I would not allow anyone to get kickbacks and commission." He said the Dadocha Dam construction is delayed due to the commission mafia. He urged the secretary irrigation to think for the future of Pakistan and the next generations. He said why not summons the Punjab Chief Minister along with his cabinet on the next date of hearing.
The secretary replied that there was no need of it as he was looking after all these affairs himself. The chief justice remarked that construction of dams is national cause therefore all the stakeholder should play their role in this noble cause. The case is adjourned until next week.