Rs 1500bn needed to build Diamer-Bhasha, Mohmand dams: CJP

MANCHESTER: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Mian Saqib Nisar, has said that Pakistan need Rs 1500 billion to build Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams to avert water crisis looming over the country, ARY News reported on Saturday.

Speaking to media in Manchester, the CJP said people were objecting to construction plan of a single dam, “but we will construct a number of dams in future,” he added. It may be noted here that Rs 7.9 billion have been collected in donations for construction of dams so far.

He underlined that he had expected a good donation from ‘a few bigwigs, but unfortunately they didn’t give significant amount in donations.’

“Those who acquired billions of rupees from the country didn’t donate even Rs one billion for the dams”, he stated.  Mr. Nisar said, “We have asked such people to declare their sources of income, and everyone in this regard will need to explain about their wealth.”

He insisted that anyone who moved their capital abroad ‘through ferries and other means’ would be required to answer about it. The chief justice said there would be no need of donation if ‘those people’ return home and deposit their stashed money in the dam fund.

“The Supreme Court has laid the foundation and awareness for construction of dams, and it will continue with the efforts of all,” he remarked.

The CJP also hinted at launching an awareness campaign from next month regarding rising population and shrinking resources in its wake.