Federal Govt Asks Supreme Court to Release Dam Funds

The federal government has formally asked the Supreme Court to release the funds collected for the Diamer Bhasha and Mohmand dams.

During a recent hearing, Additional Attorney General Aamir Rehman informed the court that a petition had been filed to transfer the funds to the government and the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA).

The fund’s account was opened under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Pakistan by the State Bank of Pakistan. In the session, the Chief Justice inquired about the status of the funds and the progress on the dam projects.

WAPDA’s lawyer, Saad Rasool, responded that around PKR 20 billion had been collected since the fund was initiated in 2018 after a suo motu notice by the Supreme Court.

Furthermore, Rasool noted that the Supreme Court’s implementation bench had held 17 hearings on the dam funds. He also mentioned that private disputes related to dam construction had been brought to the Supreme Court but suggested they now be handled by relevant judicial bodies.

Last year, a resolution was presented in the National Assembly, urging that the collected funds be redirected to help flood victims. This resolution, tabled by MNA Kesoo Mal Kheeal Das, criticized former Chief Justice Saqib Nisar’s initiative to raise funds for dams, claiming it breached judicial norms.

The fund was overseen by the Supreme Court, with its account managed by the SC registrar.