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SC orders efficient fundraising campaign
MIRPUR: In the wake of the Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan’s historic judgement of July 4 aimed at expediting the construction of two mega dams including Diamer Basha and Mohmand, the maiden meeting of the Implementation Committee of Diamer Basha and Mohmand Dams (ICDBMD) was held at ICDBMD Secretariat on Thursday,
The meeting, presided over by ICDBMD and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Lieutenant General (r) Muzammil Hussain was attended by the members announced by the SC in its judgment including Finance Division additional secretary (Budget), Ministry of Water Resources (Water) joint secretary, joint secretary prime minister’s and others.
Members including WAPDA former chairmen Shamsul Mulk and Zafar Mahmood were also among the participants of the meeting.
ICDBMD Chairman Lt General (r) Muzammil said that SC’s landmark judgment has provided the committee with an opportunity to contribute towards the national cause of steering the country out of the water crisis.
Later, ICDBMD Secretary Mehar Ali Shah briefed the meeting about the framework and draft terms of reference of the Coordination Committee.
It was also decided that the subcommittees will make their presentations on July 20.
The subcommittees will also finalise and submit their reports on July 23 relating to the issues and the ways to resolve them. Subsequently, the progress report will be submitted to the SC on July 24 in line with directions of the Court, the sources added.
SC ORDERS EFFICIENT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN:
The SC on Thursday directed Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) and Information Ministry to ensure an efficient media campaign for the fund announced by Supreme Court of Pakistan for Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams for raising public awareness.
A four-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar passed this order while hearing a petition. The court said that branches of all banks across the country receiving such deposits shall prominently display banners on their entry points stating that donations and contributions are being received in these branches for the construction of dams.
The order said that donations can be made at all branches of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), all Treasury Offices and branches of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) as well as other banks including microfinance banks.
It said that such donations can be made in the form of cash, cheques, pay orders, demand drafts and prize bonds deposited either at the counters or through online transfers. The Banks receiving such donations shall provide duly stamped signed receipts acknowledging receipt of the donations.
It said that an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) Number has also been allocated to facilitate receipt of online donations and contributions in the fund through internet banking and ATMs. This IBAN shall be displayed on the websites of the SBP and the SC.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been directed to issue appropriate directions to the Pakistani Missions abroad in consultation with the SBP for receiving donations or contributions and transmission of the amounts received by them to the designated account of the fund with the SBP.
