Humayun Khan
PESHAWAR: Chief Justice Peshawar High Court Justice Qaiser Rashid remarked that unfortunately government had ignored water resources development which is related to future of nation while country will face huge demand of water in coming time and on the other hand people had encroached riversides while competent authorities did not take action without court intervention, on Thursday.
This was remarked by Chief Justice during hearing of case regarding excavation of sand and encroachment on Swat, Kunhar and Chitral riverbanks heard by Justice Qaiser Rashid and Justice Arshad Ali.
Advocate General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shumail Butt, AAG Syed Sikandar Shah, Commissioner Malakand Zaheer-ul-Islam, Deputy Commissioner Swat Junaid Khan, ADC Abbottabad Muhammad Shahab and Babar Khan Yousafzai Advocate as counsel for investor group at Samindar Khata tourist spot appeared before PHC in the case.
Commissioner Malakand informed PHC that government had Rs,2500 million allocated for protection and rehabilitation of rivers after court’s order.
Chief Irrigation North informed that request had been made before federation further funds for Kunhar and Swat rivers. Deputy Attorney General Asghar Kundi informed PHC that federation shall be informed in this regard.
Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid remarked it is not only problem of provinces but it is national assets which shall be protect and added that government had prioritized tourism and protection of river shall improve scenic for tourists.
Commissioner Malakand informed that all leases had suspended on riversides and as many as 68 hotels had demolished from river belt. He added that PC1 and funds for Buner Marble City had been allocated and after receiving of fund all factories shall be shifted to the industrial state within six months.
Assistant Commissioner Hazara informed that 17 First Information Reports had registered while 34 letters had been sent regarding mining activities. He added that 163 large and six thousand small infrastructures had been removed from the riverbanks.
During hearing Saki bank hydro power project company Ju Wang Yung informed that the company had facing hurdle in provision of raw materials for construction works. The company lawyer Asghar Kundi informed PHC that law provides space for national importance developmental projects in such conditions.
Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid directed Environmental Protection Agency and Director General Mines to identified spot which does not create environmental problems and company may also continue developmental because it is of national importance.
Elite hotel group lawyer Babar Khan Yousafzai Advocate informed PHC that infrastructure in Samandar Khata had demolished by court order while the petitioner had obtained tender after advertisement and added that no one is ready to compensate the group losses.
Chief Justice directed Elite hotel group to claim losses from officers how had granted tender illegally.
Ijaz Safi Advocate requested PHC to allow legal mine lease holders and beyond the riverbelt. Chief Justice directed irrigation department to take concert steps and continue rehabilitation of rivers.
Chief Justice Qaiser remarked that Director General Galyat Development Authority had made flase he must go to home in case regarding construction of five star hotel in Nathiagali because no compromise will be made on environmental issues.
Advocate General informed that government is following court order and very important things are disclosed while court will be informed regarding step taken time to time, further hearing adjourned.
