SC seeks recommendations from SBP over dam fund spending

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought recommendations from the State Bank of Pakistan regarding spending of money deposited in the dam fund created to collect donations for construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams, ARY News reported.

The hearing was conducted by a five-member larger bench headed by Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh.

Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) presented the report before the court regarding construction of dams and progress on the uplift work so far.

The lawyer of Wapda said the groundbreaking of Mohmand man would be held by March 2019. He said the process of buying 844 acres of land for the dam has been completed.

Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked that Wapda must demonstrate responsibility while acquiring land for the purpose.

Meanwhile, the court rejected a report about dam fund amount.

The court said irresponsible reporting was being witnessed regarding advertisements for dam’s construction cost in the media.

Chairman Pakistan Electronic Media and Regulatory Authority (Pemra) said a public service was aired on the time it was slotted. “Then why incorrect news are being aired,” asked Justice Ejazul Hassan.

The Pemra must take action against TV channels airing false news, the court ordered.

Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) informed the court that legislation was required for imposing dam tax on mobile phone users.

The hearing was then adjourned till the first week of April.