Armed forces to contribute in dams' construction: ISPR

Dunya News

The apex court has directed authorities concerned to construct the two dams on priority basis.

RAWALPINDI (Dunya News) - Pakistan s armed forces will make contributions to the fund opened to facilitate the construction of Diamer-Basha and Mohmand dams, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Monday.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed authorities concerned to construct the two dams on priority basis. The judgement stated that water is necessary for the survival of the country and public.

In pursuance of the top court s order, the finance division has opened a fund to facilitate the construction of dams in the country. The audit of the fund will be carried out under the supervision of the apex court.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar donated Rs1 million to the fund. He also expressed satisfaction over the public response to the bank account opened for the construction of dams in the country.

The payments in to the aforesaid fund will be received at all branches of the State Bank of Pakistan, all treasuries and branches of National Bank of Pakistan and all other scheduled banks.

The fund may receive donations from both domestic, international donors and contributions from abroad which will be received at all branches of above-mentioned banks where such branches exist.

In other foreign countries contributions will be received at Pakistan Missions and remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan which would prescribe necessary accounting procedure.

In a separate development, Wapda officials informed caretaker Prime Minister Justice (retired) Nasirul Mulk the dams  construction will begin this year.

During a briefing at the PM Office, Wapda Chairman Lt Gen (retired) Muzammil Hussain informed the caretaker prime minister about the issues related to water in the country.

Prime Minister Mulk expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by Wapda in hydro-power sector and stressed concerted efforts to overcome the impending water crisis.