ISLAMABAD: Former Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday said that his statement on dams fund was reported out of context.
Nisar came under criticism after he said that the dams fund was mainly aimed at spreading awareness.
Expressing his views over this criticism in an informal talk with journalists, the CJP said that there is no chance of corruption in the dams fund.
He regretted the allegations of corruption in dams fund, adding that his remarks at Lahore Literary Festival (LLF) 2019 were reported out of context.
“I never said that I alone will collect the amount for the construction of dams,” he said.
The former CJP had established a Supreme Court Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund on July 10, 2018, to raise funds for the construction of Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams. The court supervised the fund and its registrar operates its account directly.
Later, the prime minister announced to join efforts with the chief justice for the cause. Accordingly, the fund was renamed as Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan Fund for Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams.
The campaign had gained momentum not only in Pakistan but also in other countries where Pakistanis were living in large numbers, who themselves were contributing massively towards the cause in terms of money and time, but were collecting funds from others also.
The Prime Minister and Chief Justice of Pakistan Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand Dams Fund has received over Rs9 billion so far.
Speaking about the dams fund at the festival, the former CJP said, “We wanted to make people understand how important the water issue is. If through this donation we are able to generate another Rs15 billion then that is an achievement. This money was never intended to be used 100 per cent for building, however, it really became a campaign.”
Nisar said that people were excited when he proposed the idea of the dams fund at a conference.
“People have been coming to me to donate their entire lives’ pension. Small children came to me. There was enthusiasm. I am sure it will continue,” he had said.