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Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Saturday announced that there is "consensus among all stakeholders" that two dams should be built from the money recovered from 222 companies who had had loans worth billions of rupees written off illegally.
"The water shortage is such a serious matter," he remarked. "I will have some good news regarding this very soon."
Justice Nisar made the comments during the hearing of a case initiated in 2008 after the Supreme Court (SC) took suo motu notice of media reports that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) had approved a scheme to allow writing off of loans worth Rs54 billion owed to commercial banks by several companies.
During today's hearing, the CJ informed the court that several of the 222 companies had consented to returning 75 per cent of the outstanding loans as per a formula suggested by Justice Muneeb Akhtar.
Justice Nisar said that other companies involved in the case who wish to contest the case further have the option to go to banking courts.
However, the chief justice warned that if banking courts issued a verdict against the companies, they would have to pay the full amount of their loans. He further said that the parties which failed to repay their loans could also go to jail for as long as one year.
At this point, several lawyers representing different companies named in the case urged the CJ not to forward the issue to banking courts. Justice Nisar then ordered the petitioners to submit written recommendations regarding how to proceed with the case.
He also ordered that a special bench be formed to decide if the case should be sent to banking courts or be heard by the SC.
The hearing of the case was adjourned until July 4.
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Comments (106) Closed
Jun 30, 2018 04:49pm
Well done Sir. The nation will remember you for a very long time.
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Jun 30, 2018 04:49pm
This man is the real hero of Pakistan.
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Jun 30, 2018 04:50pm
great - but why is CJ announcing the building of the dams - where is the government?
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Jun 30, 2018 04:54pm
Not sure I fully understand or comprehend, Supreme Court is going build the dams now?
I am definitely missing a point here.
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Jun 30, 2018 04:56pm
Much appreciated step
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Jun 30, 2018 04:56pm
Amazing! Only in Pakistan, out of 200+ nations on the planet, is the Supreme Court inchage of everything, From dispensing justice on murder and rape cases; to reigning in corrupt officials; recoving bad debts; launching construction projects; irregularities in elections to monitoring schools and colleges.
What exactly is the function of the Executive Branch in Pakistan, in addition to the law enforcement, police, pronvincial governors, Chief Ministers, Planninng Development Ministry or Education Dept?? Are they all on vacation or simply sleeping - while the CJP takes notice and action on everything in the nation??
He in fact, has been made a defacto Adminisistrator/PM by default, in the absence of any role by Federal government.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:02pm
Great move for the country and its Citizen. Thank you CJP sb, welldone
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Jun 30, 2018 05:05pm
This is a good start and let's hope looted money recovery process from Nawaz Sharif, Shabaz Sharif, their family members, Asif Zardari and other corrupt politicians will help to build more schools, hospitals, clean water plants and will provide job opportunities for all! The question is, who is brave enough to recover all looted money? I will support anybody who will recover looted money and spend for the welfare of the poor and the needy people!
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Jun 30, 2018 05:05pm
Excellent. We need people like CJP.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:05pm
The job of the judge is pretty different in developed countries than what they are doing here. I live in Europe for a long time now. I have never heard that any judge will be announcing developing projects of any kind. This is simply not their job.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:07pm
What are the names of those dams?Where are they situated? whats their estimated costs?Will they be storage dams or hydrothermal dams?Any actual plan or mere rhetorics?
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Jun 30, 2018 05:10pm
The idea is great but who will implement it in letter and spirit since building of dams needs special skills, years of experience, construction background, engineering education and related traits and exposure?
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Jun 30, 2018 05:11pm
I think the executive should just go home now. Let the CJP make all decisions.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:27pm
Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams are already included in action plan devised under National Water Policy. If CJ wants to do something meaningful for water sector, he should ask planning commission and ministry of water resources to ensure completion of these two dams by 2027. Dams are very expensive structures. Initiation of another dam will create resource constraint and put completion of already approved basha and mohmnd dams on backburner.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:37pm
While no one is denying the necessity of dams, the courts are blatantly encroaching the authority of the executive branch. No good can come of this. Building dams will require political decisions, land acquisition, resettlement, royalties, etc. People must have a say through their elected representatives. Doing it through judicial fiat is a recipe for disaster.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:38pm
Great news, this is the need of the hour where lack of water and where 80% of the water is not even clean.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:43pm
Amazing decision.
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Jun 30, 2018 05:45pm
Current Pakistan Chief Justice always in the headline news.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:01pm
Beside bad loans, I would raise charity in our village for this good purpose. Please, tell me the account No, so that I could deposit Rs. 5000 in advance.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:03pm
It's none of your business CJ. It's called interference from judiciary in running a government. Let the government decide where to invest the money, even though your intention are not wrong. It looks like in the election times all the powers are grabbing government position as if they are running the country. This include army and now judiciary.
First let the govt works freely. Then democracy survives. If democratic institutions become stronger, they common man on street demand and get the work done by government.
This is how democracy works.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:14pm
Only recovery from Nawaz and Zardari is enough to build 100 dams
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Jun 30, 2018 06:15pm
Good job and good start. Pakistan will look amazingly different and upscale if all looted money be spent on the country
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Jun 30, 2018 06:16pm
Step forward in the right direction. Water and electric shortage has to be resolved before Pakistan progress. There is a huge amount of money stolen that needs to be recovered.
Honorable CJ, you doing that work that our last two or three governments failed to do.
Our identities are with Pakistan and strong Pakistan will have respect and integrity internationally. Respectfully
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Jun 30, 2018 06:21pm
If those company do not pay the loan, their name should be published in newspapers. So general public and tax payers would know about their business practices and boycott them. It is good to know that efforts are being made to prevent looting. Again, why banks would give out loans to companies without any guarantees.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:27pm
And who will manage the funds and award the contracts?
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Jun 30, 2018 06:30pm
Hats off CJP sahib
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Jun 30, 2018 06:31pm
Awesome. Can't people in our government do and think like CJP? probably not. Thanks CJP and keep up the good work.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:32pm
Excellent idea Mr. CJ, if you can implement it. These dacoits must pay for the water they consume.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:32pm
CJP, your job is to implement the law. leave the administration of the collected funds to the federal government. The problem, however, is that during your holding of the office not one VIP has been found guilty and sent to jail. In short, when there is no punishment the corrupt will break the law again knowing that they can get away with it.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:52pm
Well .Thoughts are good .But court have to go as per law books.I wonder how a CJ can decide how money is to be spend.Recovery yes as per law.
Statement that I will give a good news shortly.I don't think it is job of CJ to give good news.His job is to deliver good judgement.
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Jun 30, 2018 06:58pm
Greatest work, what CJP Hon Justice Saqib Nisar is doing? This was 200% duty and responsibility of Administration but they did nothing in 25 years' time. Sad
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Jun 30, 2018 07:03pm
Why just 75 pct you should collect full amount owed plus interest, penalties etc etc. Its poor man's money they have stolen.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:15pm
CJP and the army Chief are the best thing that has happened in Pakistan since 1947.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:41pm
The great news for the people of Pakistan that
We have recovered the resources to build the dams which are needed for sure at this time.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:43pm
@A&A well said. But it will be taken as conspiracy against royal democracy. They are untouchable thieves.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:44pm
@sid “...where is ..”. If a useless government does not take action on an important matter then someone competent and patriotic will!!
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Jun 30, 2018 07:45pm
222companies had loan written off ! This illegal practice started during Zia 's rule. The practice continued. Ever since there have been numerous beneficiaries . Hope CJ makes recovery so that nation can benefit.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:47pm
I am wondering how is he going to construct two dams with mere 50 billion, those must be very small dams. If compare the cost of recently completed neelam jehlum it was around 500 billion. And even it's a good thing that he wants the debts recovered but it's clearly out of his domain.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:47pm
@sid - Does n't matter who announces as long as dams are built. Interm PM can't do anything.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:57pm
Very nice Sir. We must understand that Govt.(any party) has no funds to improve basic nececessities. Almost all the funds are consumed for the welfare of high ups of member parliaments, bureaucracy, high ups of military establishments and judiciary etc. Govt. also spend money to make show off projects like orange train , metro bus etc. Write off money recovered should also be diverted for the construction of dams. Remaining money should be contributed by poor masses of the country.
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Jun 30, 2018 07:58pm
At least someone has the backbone to question illegal beneficiaries of loans write off. 222 companies involved? No wonder we keep getting IMF loans. I had taken loan $1000 from my university, it was n't written off. University demanded that I pay back the loan which I did within 6 months after my graduation.
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Jun 30, 2018 08:01pm
@sid
Government is made of crooks. That is why he has to announce. Thank you CJP>
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Jun 30, 2018 08:02pm
@vince .Please do not drag Army Chief in every matter. Alhamdolillah our COAS is professional soldier, and performing his job well.
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Jun 30, 2018 08:11pm
Please print the names of the defaulters in BOLD letters so that whole nation knows who they are.
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Jun 30, 2018 08:46pm
Bad debts. How will they be recovered?
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Jun 30, 2018 08:55pm
Just a pblicity stunt by cjp.....
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Jun 30, 2018 08:58pm
@Shujaat That is Pakistan where loans are written-off illegally. SC should do what it's supposed to do but not build dams which is govt.'s job. May be he can direct govt. to build dams.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:01pm
Is it the job of the Chief Justice to build dam !
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Jun 30, 2018 09:18pm
One of the happiest news in the entire history of our country.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:21pm
I wish CJ puts al this monsy in a Trust to be used for Dam building only. Long Live CJ
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Jun 30, 2018 09:23pm
He should be made the finance minister after retirement.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:39pm
Why doesn't he contest for elections and become a PM?
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Jun 30, 2018 09:41pm
But FIRST we need to put these people behind bar who committed these crimes
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Jun 30, 2018 09:44pm
A country is Doomed when a judge takes on the task of engineers.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:48pm
@Masterstroke What are you talking about? By the time democracy mature enough people will be fighting over water. I guess you belong to some privilege class where shortage of water is not an issue. As far as democratic leaders are concerned they are more involved in cheap publicity project like metro train so that they can get vote for next election.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:52pm
Who are the several " Stakeholders" among whom there is a consensus on building two dams with the recovered amount?
Why is the CJP deciding what to do with the recovered money?
Last I checked the constitution does not empower CJP to decide such matters.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:55pm
@Mohsin please dont compare Europe to Pakistan. Since the law is powerful the courts dont need to intervene in europe. In Pakistan the law is subsevient to the rich, elite and powerful so the courts have no choice but to intervene.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:56pm
@A&A best comment on here.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:56pm
Constructing dams is a huge task. I would be happy if the CJP succeed in controling the Tanker Mafia in Karachi. It would be good if CJP focus on the job for which the taxpayers are paying his salary.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:58pm
These money shud be returned back to banks as this money belongs to ordinary pakistanis.
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Jun 30, 2018 09:59pm
Thats what we call work. Those who want to do can do....no promises only actions...
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Jun 30, 2018 10:06pm
Make CJP your PM for a term. Pakistan will fly.
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Jun 30, 2018 10:17pm
@ABE the CJ and other institutions have to step up if the elected political establishment is incompetent, corrupt, and indifferent to the suffering of the nation. Wake up!
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Jun 30, 2018 10:17pm
This was the duty of the politicians but they "failed" to build dams, which would generate electricity and provide water for agriculture. Water scarcity will become the greatest threat to the country's survival within ten years, unless dams are built as the top national priority. The Supreme Court must ensure this in the supreme national interest.
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Jun 30, 2018 10:20pm
Good idea. But who is going to recover the forgiven debt money? Your court system is lingering on with just one open and shut case for the past two years, yet no results. Further, the problem is not generation of power. It is the transmission line and "kunda system, not paying the bills by the political based influential industrialists, corrupt WAPDA employees who assist them. Pakistan is the only country where those who pay the bills are punished. I am referring to the Electric companies policies to pass the non paying bills to those who pay their bills.
We being a nuclear state with close to a Million law enforcement personnel, are helpless in front of these crooks who use the electricity and do not pay the bill. Is it not a matter of concern.
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Jun 30, 2018 10:25pm
Maybe he should fix the corrupt judicial system rather than try and run the govt from his bench? Better yet - quit his job and run for office. Pakistan Judges and Generals seem to always find time to act like they are PM's
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Jun 30, 2018 10:26pm
Who will now provide Justice?
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Jun 30, 2018 10:28pm
Very good and timely announcement. But, where are the dams to be located?
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Jun 30, 2018 10:38pm
Too little too late
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Jun 30, 2018 10:47pm
Bravo sir. Pakistan is under your debt.
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Jun 30, 2018 10:56pm
The unrecovered loans are worth 54 billions rupees and 75% of them will be recovered. Which is 40.5 billion rupees.
The Cost of Basha Dam (which is already under construction) is around 13 billion USD. The amount recovered will be just over 300 million USD. How will we build two dams with this money?
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Jun 30, 2018 10:56pm
@ABE When politicians violate citizen's basic rights, it is logical that court officials step in to correct the injustice and protect citizens from adverse affects of wrong decisions by rulers.. Got it?
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Jun 30, 2018 10:57pm
Everyone is an expert when it comes to building dams. Does the CJP have the expertise about building of dams? Does he even know how much it cost to build the dams and how long will it take?
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Jun 30, 2018 11:04pm
What will you build with Rs 54 billions ( $420 millions)? The lowest estimate to build these two dams is $25 billion in today's money. By the time these get built it will be over $40 billion assuming a overe run of 60% which is the norm for public projects. The $420 million will barely suffice to complete the preliminary survey and planning. Where will the CJP find the balance? Honestly, the CJP should limit himself to legal matters (that does not include throwing the cell phones of the subordinates)
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Jun 30, 2018 11:07pm
Good
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Jun 30, 2018 11:17pm
Is he serious?
What about written off loans throughout the history of Pakistan and the defaulters enjoying a life of luxury?
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Jul 01, 2018 12:20am
we don't need any government..SC is doing better job.
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Jul 01, 2018 12:29am
Thank you. BUT why CJP did not order construction of Courts ?
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Jul 01, 2018 12:32am
It is about time that someone stood up to those companies that stripped the banks with these fraudulent loans that they never intended to pay back. Moving forward the banks should not give loans without making sure that they can at least recover 80%, and then go after the defaulter.
I understand it is not the job of the CJ to announce the building of the dams, but so far the politicians have done nothing, so if the court uses its mantel to get the job done, so be it. Then maybe the politicians will grasp that there is another entity to fear.
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Jul 01, 2018 12:37am
If CJP enjoys politics then he must resign and fight elections but the use of Judiciary to push of politics has done more damage to pakistan.
He make populist statements which public like but many fail to see how such things damage the pakistani nation.
I am a well wishers of patriotic pakistanis hence saying this.
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Jul 01, 2018 12:38am
The Pakistani elite will not change their old habits without any action. It is very late........
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Jul 01, 2018 12:54am
Firstly, it is by no means his job. He is focusing on everything except availability of speedy justice. Secondly, availability of funds is not the main hindrance in building dams. It is national consensus that had been mainly lacking.
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Jul 01, 2018 01:52am
Dear Justice Nisar Sb,
The Nation is indebted to you. We thank you and support you and pray for your health and long life.
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Jul 01, 2018 01:57am
Public money spending should only be done by elected representatives of people. SMBB said if judges want to do politics, they should resign and contest elections.
The damage done to the economic progress by court stay orders lingering for years is something CJP should focus on.
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Jul 01, 2018 01:57am
A dam costs way more than $500 million to build.
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Jul 01, 2018 02:40am
Even if the dams are not built. Recovering the money is s great step and all Pakistanis should back this CJ.
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Jul 01, 2018 02:59am
222 companies. Shameful. People want to borrow money but not pay it back. Now people who run companies want to borrow money and not pay it back.
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Jul 01, 2018 03:08am
Dams should be built on a war footing - there is no time to wait for the provincial fools to come to their senses. The problem is very, very serious. We cannot waste any more time debating it.
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Jul 01, 2018 03:09am
Honorable CJ, you know Pakistan’s financial position and the cluster of dishonest political families ready to fill up their bank accounts.
Our 85% of public cannot understand dishonest politicians who are contesting coming elections. Last 15 years Pakistan’s integrity and financial position has drastically gone down internationally.
Judiciary should never be under parliament. It shout be an independent and must foresee NAB, IB and other institutions functions.
We never want another PML-N type of corrupt party controlling our institutions again.
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Jul 01, 2018 03:12am
@qaiser ahmed - if you have no understanding what last two governments did and there was no one to challenge them then be a wise and refrain from writing useless comments.
CJ is doing what was supposed to be done 15/20 years ago.
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Jul 01, 2018 04:08am
Govt busy stealing!!!
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Jul 01, 2018 04:11am
@Shujaat Better some one build dams then no one building any dams. Our politicians have failed us. Chief Justice zindabad!
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Jul 01, 2018 04:13am
@ABE Stop complaining. Let those who want to build Pakistan do their jobs and start asking those who are running for election why they have failed to build any dams or anything else for that matter.
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Jul 01, 2018 04:15am
And drama continues!
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Jul 01, 2018 04:47am
@Gaurav Because the powers he has , a PM will not have those powers ?
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Jul 01, 2018 05:14am
@sid is there any Government in Pakistan?
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Jul 01, 2018 06:28am
@Moth How much money do you think CJ can recover ?He cannot even make ine dam if he recovers all the money. Please come out of the fantasy dream and face the ground reality.
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Jul 01, 2018 06:36am
Stop electing rich who pay money for vote. Elect genuine leaders who are ready to die for nation
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Jul 01, 2018 06:39am
It takes rhe chief Justice to do the work that previous government should of done, Only when Curroption has been stamped out, then only then Can Pakistan truly flourish
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Jul 01, 2018 06:46am
This man is doing the work, rest of the executive officers are sleeping. It seems to me that he has determined that he has to put Pakistan on right track. Thanks to CJP.
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Jul 01, 2018 06:48am
Who is going to build them? Old corrupt mafia !
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Jul 01, 2018 07:16am
SC has taken up the right cause. If it succeeds, it would be remembered in history with gratitude.
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Jul 01, 2018 07:16am
Only if our useless previous governments, namely PML(N) & PPP had concerted efforts towards these issues to resolve the power and water crisis.
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Jul 01, 2018 07:30am
@sid This is Pakistan man, where chief justice's business is building dams and running the country.
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Jul 01, 2018 07:44am
Bravo
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Jul 01, 2018 07:52am
@ABE You are right in saying that all concerned government institutions being clueless in addressing the present water crises which is becoming pronounced day in and day out, are in a deep slumber and dormancy. I am flabbergasted to understand the logic & need of such proclamation, knowing well that our illiterate masses belonging to provinces other than Punjab, are so politicized on this issue that they have obstructed any deal on construction of Kalabagh dam for the last three decades. Technically speaking that even if a consensus is arrived at today, it is likely to take a minimum of 15 years before the proposed dam becomes functional. In the meantime, the present population 220 million growing at the rate 2.4% will multiply further & will present climate change due to greenhouse effect and unchecked environmental degradation taking place, even these dams will not suffice. I, for one, would recommend use of collected money in water conservation technology which is urgently needed
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