CJP calls for swift steps to tackle water crisis

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday stressed that Pakistan needs to take swift measures to stave off looming water crisis. 

Addressing the opening session of 2-day International Symposium, Creating a Water-Secure Pakistan in Islamabad, the chief justice said steps are being taken for the construction of Diamer and Basha Dam at the earliest.

Not only did the top court order the construction of these dams but also took it upon itself to collect funds, he added.

“This is for the prosperity of posterity that we need to conserve water,” he emphasized and added “I even received donations from pensioners and children. The Pakistani nation exhibited generosity.”

“This attempt of [collecting] donations on the part of the Supreme Court has developed into a campaign for conservation of water.”

He said glaciers are fast melting owing to rising global temperatures.

CJP Nisar said we all have to stop unnecessary use of water and play a role to save it.

He said this is high time we overcome the mistakes of the past. The implementation of the Indus Water Treaty and conserving River Indus water are indispensable, he opined.

The chief justice said the country’s water needs are increasing with growing population.

He said water reserves in Pakistan have decreased to an alarming level and if drastic measures are not taken now, Pakistan could run dry by 2025.