Islamabad (April 25, 2018): Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Wednesday left for Balakot on an unannounced tour to review uplift work for the survivors of the 2005 earthquake.
The chief justice took the decision while hearing a sou motu case pertaining to alleged embezzlement of funds entitled for victims by the Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA).
The apex court had taken notice on an application of Shahzad Mehmood Qureshi of Mansehra inviting the attention of the court towards the plight of earthquake victims, who are living in the makeshift houses without water facility and improper education arrangements for their children despite the lapse of 13 years.
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During the hearing, an official of the ERRA informed the court the authority was facing difficult in getting ownership of the land, adding that the project will be completed in two year if land is provided.
To this, CJP Nisar remarked if the victims will leave without roof until the project is completed. He observed that the former finance minister Ishaq Dar should appear before the court to explain the utilization of the funds. He also remarked that spending funds of earthquake victims on other projects was a crime.
The chief justice also asked secretary finance Arif Ahmed Khan about the funds, saying whether the funds were added to national exchequer or not.
Khan replied that the funds for development projects were released on yearly basis. Responding to another question, the secretary said that Pakistan received $2.89 billion funds for donors but denied possessing the funds record.
Expressing anger over the government inaction for the development of earthquake victims, the chief justice decided to visit the area personally.
The chief justice said that the court will hear the problems of locals. He also ordered all authorities concerned to reach the area.
According to a report of a sessions judge appointed by the apex court to visit the area, nothing was done in areas hit by earthquake in 2005.
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