ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court (SC) has issued notice to federation on a petition seeking holding of referendum on the issue of construction of Kalabagh Dam.
A 3-member bench of SC presided over by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar took up for hearing petition pertaining to referendum on construction of Kalabagh dam Monday.
The petitioner took the plea that water level will come to end in 2025 and country is facing water shortage.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked “ no doubt dams should be constructed in the country. There is no consensus among the provinces on Kalabagh dam. The Council for Common Interest (CCI) gave decision for creating awareness among the people on Kalabagh dam issue. The CCI decision was not implemented.
Justice Umar Ata Bandial remarked former chairman WAPDA started awareness campaign on Kalabagh dam and he was removed.
He further remarked the government has to decide in the prevailing situation. Government has to see supply of water.
The petitioner Barrister Zafar Ullah said if there is issue of name then dam should be named as Benazir Bhutto dam instead of Kalabagh dam. This dam is future of Pakistan.
Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan remarked the problem is not of name but the problem is very deep.
The court issued notice to federation on the matter of referendum on Kalabagh dam.
The court remarked what steps were taken by the government in connection with CCI decison about awareness campaign. Federal government should give reply with reference to dam.
CJP remarked Majid Nizami wrote an article titled water bomb in 2007. Down load it from internet and read it.
The court adjourned the hearing of the case for 15 days.