Islamabad (Agencies): Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has emphasised that concrete steps need to be taken to avert the water crisis being faced by Pakistan, Radio Pakistan reported.
Addressing the opening session of a two-day international symposium titled ‘Creating a Water Secure Pakistan’ in Islamabad on Friday, CJP Nisar said that it was unfortunate that no one in Pakistan made any dedicated efforts to construct dams and water reservoirs in the past 40 years.
He said that water reserves in Pakistan have decreased to an alarmingly low level and if drastic measures are not taken now, Pakistan could run dry by 2025.
The CJP maintained that the judiciary could not have remained oblivious to the issue as it has the obligation to protect the interests of the citizens. He said that the judiciary took this issue and passed a judgement, urging the executive to play its role for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha dam.
Justice Nisar said the dam fund was created as the country did not have the capital required to construct large dams.
"There was an overwhelming response from the public and even children and pensioners made contributions to this fund," he told the attendees of the symposium.
The chief justice added that the sensitisation of the issue at a national level has made the nation realise the importance of water conservation and management.