–Affectees inform Chief Justice Nisar that they haven’t been paid compensation for land acquired for dam’s construction
–CJP assures Baba Jan’s mother of justice, sways to local music with GB residents
ISLAMABAD: The affectees of the Diamer-Bhasha dam on Tuesday requested Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar to ensure the issuance of compensation for their land which had been acquired for construction of the dam.
The CJP arrived in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) on a five-day private visit with his family when the landowners approached him to present an application requesting the release of payment by the authorities concerned. Nisar assured the affectees that their problem will be resolved in accordance with the law.
The Supreme Court had issued directives on July 4 for the construction of the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams to start immediately, and appealed to the general public, including Pakistanis residing abroad, to donate for the cause. Chief Justice Nisar initiated the donation process by announcing Rs1 million donation for the cause.
Funds have been pouring in ever since with the armed forces, government institutions and general public donating for the cause.
The top judge also visited different areas of Gilgit-Baltistan including Naltar, Hunza, Altit Fort, Baltit Fort and Attabad Lake where he was warmly welcomed by the locals.
The residents discussed their legal issues with the CJP and urged that their grievances be redressed.
While on his way to Hunza, the CJP stopped his car after seeing the mother of Baba Jan, a leader of the Awami Workers Party (AWP), who was standing on the roadside holding a banner inscribed with a demand for the release of her son, who is currently in jail. The CJP promised her that he would look into the case.
Baba Jan is serving a life term after being convicted in 2014 for reportedly inciting people to violence. The GB government had earlier rejected Jan’s request to free him on parole on April 15, 2018, for his Nikah ceremony in Ghizer district.
The CJP also participated in a traditional music party in Hunza and the video of his dance with the locals went viral on the social media.