"Don't know whether or not this government is interested in resolving the water issue," added Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heading a three-judge bench which heard a case pertaining to construction of Nai Gaj Dam. The CJP observed that it does not seem that there is coordination among the departments as one ministry says one thing, while the other has a different point of view.
Justice Ijazul Ahsan remarked that there is lack of coordination among the departments. At the onset of the proceeding, the bench inquired why the finance minister has not appeared despite its direction. AAG Illyas Bhatti informed that the minister is busy in a meeting of Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet. The Chief Justice then directed him to ask the finance minister to appear before the court.
After half-an-hour, Asad Umar in compliance with the court order appeared before the bench. The Chief Justice addressing Asad Umar asked that they don't know whether or not it is the priority of the government to construct dams.
Umar informed that on Monday last (January 14) he received verbal request for the approval of the summary regarding the construction of Nai Gaj Dam. He said the matter is referred to the Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) for approval, adding its meeting will be held on 25th January. The bench then directed Umar to apprise the court immediately after the meeting regarding the decision taken by the ECNEC.
The Chief Justice said neither they (SC) like to dictate the government nor can run it. He observed that the government should not delay the implementation of public and social projects, adding if the government would not capitalize on these projects then they would go waste.
Joint Secretary Planning Division, Arshad Ali informed the court that on the last hearing (January 7), he apprised the bench that Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting is scheduled on January 10. He said that the meeting was held on January 10, but minutes of it were approved on 11th January and the summary for the approval of Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) was sent to the minister on January 14.
Adjourning the case until January 27, the Chief Justice remarked that he wanted to resolve the matter of Nai Gaj Dam in his tenure but some wishes remain unfulfilled. The minister responded whether they appreciate or not but the history will appreciate the Chief Justice as far as the issue of construction of dams is concerned.
After the hearing, while talking to media persons in the Supreme Court premises, Asad Umar said the economic indicators in the country are on positive trajectory with exports witnessing an increasing trend while imports are reducing, having a positive impact on the national economy. The minister said the government will announce its mini-budget on 23rd of this month to take some corrective measures to further improve the economy.