CJP denies running anyone's campaign during Rawalpindi visit

RAWALPINDI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar said that he visited Rawalpindi not to campaign for anyone or on the invitation of Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, but rather to improve the conditions of hospitals in the city.

The CJP visited the site of under-construction Mother and Child hospital and Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology. He directed to provide complete the hospital within eighteen months.

The petitioner in the case Sheikh Rashid, and officials of the Public Works Department (PWD), National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak) and other relevant departments were also present at the site during the visit.

Justice Nisar lamented delay for more a decade, and said the apex court will supervise the construction work from now and there will be no interruption in release of funds.

At the Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology, he inspected the provision of medicines at pharmacies, waste management system, and the water filtration plant and instructed to get it tested from laboratories.

He also visited Polyclinic Hospital and expressed disappointment at the closure of the pharmacy warning to close the hospital if it continues. During a visit to PIMS, the chief justice was barraged with complaints from patients as the hospital administration sprung to action ordering cleanliness and ensuring the presence of staff members.

‘Not running anyone’s election campaign’

Speaking to media after the visit, the top judge said he was not invited to Rawalpindi by Sheikh Rashid nor he was campaigning on anyone’s behalf.

“I am not responsible for anyone’s election campaign,” he said adding that he did not have to visit the hospital as he can issue directives from the courtroom but it was necessary to improve the situation.

He said he was visiting hospitals on his own freewill to resolve the problems. “The perception that I visited the hospital on Sheikh Rashid’s request is wrong,” he said.

Sheikh Rashid said the people are grateful to the Chief Justice for ordering the construction of an advanced hospital in the area. He recommended to rename the hospital after the top judge, who disapproved saying he does not want his name placed anywhere.

He said a advanced hospital was being constructed with fourteen operation theatres, and one billion rupees have released in this regard. However, he will urge the prime minister to increase funds to four billion rupees.

He said that efforts were also made to increase the provision of drinking water to Rawalpindi from the Barotha Dam. There were strict security arrangements made on the occasion.