CJP directs Karachi mayor to clear city drains within a month

— Visits Central Jail, expresses satisfaction over cleanliness, food quality in prison

KARACHI: Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar ordered Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar on Saturday to ensure the unclogging of drains across the city within a month.

While hearing a case at Supreme Court’s Karachi Registry relating to the provision of clean water, the top judge enquired the mayor of the steps taken to clean the city.

Akhtar informed the court that work had been initiated and different projects are currently underway.

Keeping in mind that the monsoon season is approaching, CJP Nisar said, “Rains are about to come, Karachi’s conditions should not deteriorate.”

However, the mayor assured that court that there will be progress in 15 days.

The Chief Justice emphasised that “Every citizen has a right to clean environment.”

The court also ordered to send the issue pertaining to hurdles in tenders and development work to the water commission, which has been constituted by the Supreme Court.

Previously on Thursday, Justice Saqib Nisar remarked that the government had put poor measures in place to curb environmental pollution in Karachi.

CJP Nisar observed this while hearing a petition in the Supreme Court which suggested factories in Karachi need cloud technology to keep a check on pollution caused by the gases and chemical waste they release.

Speaking about Karachi, the chief justice said the city also faces an acute shortage of potable water, while informal settlements in the city also add to rising pollution.

However, the chief justice remarked, he would fix things and ensure the provision of basic facilities to people before his term completes.

Justice Nisar promised that he would not leave the country in a state where even breathing becomes a problem.

VISITS KARACHI CENTRAL JAIL: 

The CJP along with Justice Faisal Arab visited Karachi Central Jail the same day where he visited different wards of the jail and showed satisfaction over cleanliness and food quality for prisoners. The chief justice also visited the prison hospital where prisoners were admitted.

He ordered Secretary and Sindh Prisons Inspector General Police (IGP) to hold a meeting regarding major issues of prisoners, who needs relief. We will examine the case to case and will provide relief according to law.

Prisoners complained to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and Justice Faisal Arab that they had completed their punishments but ‘we are in jail and our release order is not issued by authority’.

He visited School of Art and Music, and handicrafts ward of prisoners. He also visited (SAHEE) Society for Advancement of Health Education & Environment.

He appreciated the cleanliness of Jail and said I found the prison of Sindh Province much better than other provinces. During his visit, Home Secretary, IG Prisons Sindh and Director Press Information Zeenat Jehan was along with him.