LAHORE - Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar Saturday said Prime Minister Imran Khan had announced to create a fund for the construction of dams with his consent.

“We welcome the government decision for setting up fund for dams that came about after permission from the Supreme Court,” the chief justice of Pakistan told media persons on the occasion of a meeting with Akhuwat Foundation Chairman Dr Amjad Saqib who met him to present a cheque of Rs one million for the fund.

Last month, the chief justice of Pakistan, rising to the threats of depleting water resources in the country and negligence committed by the rulers over decades in the past, set up a special fund to seek public contribution to the construction of Bhasha and Mahmand dams. Rs two billion have so far been raised for this purpose.

On Friday, Prime Minister Imran Khan, through a media message, announced to expand the CJP fund to PM-CJP fund for dams and appealed to all Pakistanis to contribute to it generously. He particularly urged around nine million overseas Pakistanis to donate $1000 each to the fund since water scarcity was going to become a matter of life and death for the country.

Last day while interacting with the media, the top court chief justice said the judiciary knew shocking facts about decreasing water resources that would be brought to the knowledge of the prime minister if he asked for it. He warmly welcomed the PM decision and said construction of dams was unavoidable for the country. Justice Nisar sounded satisfied while saying the step taken by the Supreme Court to that direction has become voice of the whole nation today.

In an emotional tone, the chief justice said, “I myself will watch construction of the dam. If need arises, I will stay in a hut at the dam site after retirement to see uninterrupted progress on the completion of the dam.”

The chief justice said construction of dams was indispensible for the development of the country. “We owe our existence to the existence of the country,” he affirmed, showing unique optimism that Pakistanis were capable of constructing the dams with their own resources. He said, “We hope the overseas Pakistanis who tremendously love their country will not let the country get down.”

Justice Nisar also laid stress on arresting corruption as a way to save resources of the country and take it ahead. He also wanted control on the increasing population and security to the assets of the overseas Pakistanis who, he added, feel too much for the country. The chief justice of Pakistan also announced to hold an international conference on water soon.

Admiring the spirit of Pakistani youth, Justice Nisar related account of his visit to Karachi Gymakhana where a little girl insisted her mother to donate money for the dams’ construction. He said the little girl came to him with Rs 5,000 and said in English, “Uncle, you are the same person who is seen on TV seeking funds for the construction of the dams.” He said, “I smiled and thanked the girl for giving him money for the dam.”

The Akhuwat Foundation chairman who met the CJP in his chamber also pledged to contribute another Rs 10 million on behalf of his organisation.