KARACHI - Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Tuesday said that a mafia was involved in creating artificial water shortage in Karachi besides lack of water management.
While addressing the foundation laying stone ceremony of Supreme Court Karachi Registry, the CJP asked the judges to play their role in strengthening institutions. Chief Justice said that step has been taken in view of growing responsibilities and judicial activities of the apex court in the province.
He said that every Pakistani should contribute to the development of the country with utmost sincerity. Highlighting scarcity of water, the CJP stressed to build new dams and to conserve water.
He was of the view that the country could face severe water scarcity by 2025 if necessary pre-emptive measures are not taken on an immediate basis. The water utilisation would now be measured and prices would be charged accordingly, he said.
‘Situation in Karachi and Quetta made me think about construction of new dams,’ he added. The CJP added that when we made a Cmmission on water, we came to know that there exists a water mafia in the City. “We can address the issue with better management. Our initiative is yielding results.”
The Chief Justice said that the mineral water companies are using as much as seven billion gallon water, he added that very soon Rs 1/liter tax will be imposed on the water companies.
“Earlier there were zero charges on the companies. But with the imposition of taxes, we can generate taxes worth billions of rupees for the dam fund,” the Chief Justice said. He said that in the next 30 years country’s population can go up to 450 million, he added that the situation demands immediate institutional reforms in the country. He stressed for full fledged movement in this connection is vital so that next generations could prosper. “Supremacy of law is a must for the progress of the country,” he added. He added that new building of Supreme Court Registry in Karachi was strongly needed.
He added that the need for Supreme Court’s Registry in other provinces has also increased.
