Dams are not built through charities: ex-PM Abbasi

LAHORE: Talking about the ongoing fund-raising campaign for construction of dams in Pakistan, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Monday said dams were not constructed with the help of charity, ARY News reported.

“Resolution for the issues of the country does not lie in money, but in rectifying the system of governance,” he said while talking to media in Lahore. He said dams were not built through tall claims as well.

Speaking about the by-elections, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader said his party would defeat the ruling party in the by-polls. “We have successfully dealt with difficult times earlier and would do so in the future as well.”

Read More: Arrest warrants issued for former PM Shahid Abbasi

It is pertinent here to mention that the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday issued bailable arrest warrants for Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in a case pertaining to sedition and violating his oath of office as prime minister.

The petitioner in the case had sought action against Abbasi and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif for trying to defame state institutions.

The court also ordered Abbasi to pay one million rupee in surety bonds.

Abbasi said he respected the judiciary and he would appear in the next hearing of the case to defend himself.

The federal government’s fund-raising campaign for Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams is in full swing, with support of the Supreme Court and provincial governments.

The fund formed to collect donations for construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams has crossed Rs 2 billion mark, as per latest statistics.

The account was opened following the Supreme Court orders to collect donations from people across Pakistan and those living abroad.

All the commercial and micro-finance banks, and field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation have opened the Fund account to receive donations in cash, and through cheques, pay orders and demand drafts at all their branches across the country.