ERRA progress bring tears in CJ eyes

F.P. Report

BALAKOT: Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Saqib Nisar Wednesday said that protection and provision of basic human rights is our responsibility.

He said this while reviewing the rehabilitation work for 2005 earthquake survivors at Balakot. On the occasion, he reprimanded officials of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and Medical Superintendent (MS) King Abudllah Hospital Manshera.

Chief Justice also directed District and Session Judge Manshera and MS King Abdullah Hospital to appear before the Supreme Court within three days and present the report.

He also visited government hospital which is working in a rental building from last 13 years after earthquake.

He also offered Fateha in graveyard at government High School Balakot.

CJ asked government officials that can your children have education in this school.

Reviewing shelter houses in Balakot, he asked from ERRA officials that can you people live in these shelters for only one day.

Enquiry officer investigating fund embezzlement for Balakot, District and Session Judge Mansehra presented a 72 pages report to Chief Justice of Pakistan during his visit to New Balakot City.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar also inspected King Abdullah Hospital Mansehra which was constructed by Saudi financial assistance and said that I am disheartened by rehabilitation work in earthquake hit areas. He also sought report in this connection within three days.

Addressing Manshera Bar Council, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar said that after devastating earthquake of 2005 rehabilitation projects have yet not completed. Schools and hospital facilities are unavailable in the earthquake hit areas.

Earlier, Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Saqib Nisar suddenly planned his visit while hearing a suo moto case pertaining to alleged embezzlement of funds entitled for the victims of Balakot and Mansehra.

I would investigate himself the alleged embezzlement of $5 billion financial assistance extended by the international community for the city’s rehabilitation, Chief Justice remarked.

During course of proceedings, the bench expressed dissatisfaction over the reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts of Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) and decided to visit the site himself.

“Spending funds of earthquake victims on other projects is a crime court will hear the problems of locals itself,” CJ maintained.

He also ordered all authorities concerned to reach the area.

The 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.