Supreme Court Addresses Dam Fund Management Issues in Pakistan

In a significant development regarding the management of dam funds in Pakistan, the Supreme Court convened on Wednesday to address the ongoing Dam Fund case. The court, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has adjourned the hearing until October 11, urging the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) and other relevant parties to propose a viable solution to the issues at hand. This case has garnered attention due to the substantial amount of money involved and the legal implications surrounding its management.

During the proceedings, Chief Justice Isa raised critical questions about the legality of keeping dam funds in private banks for markup purposes. He emphasized that the court would not revisit its previous judgments concerning dam construction. The Additional Auditor General clarified that the Supreme Court could not retain the funds, which were established following a court order, and that the registrar's office has been overseeing the account without any reported irregularities.

Former Attorney General Khalid Javed Khan stated that the funds should strictly be allocated for dam construction, highlighting that the total amount in the dam fund has exceeded Rs23 billion, comprising Rs11 billion collected and Rs12 billion in markup. The Chief Justice pointed out that the government bears the responsibility for paying the markup on the funds utilized.

As the discussion progressed, Chief Justice Isa expressed concern over the constitutional basis for the Supreme Court's involvement in monitoring dam construction progress. He noted, "In Pakistan, many things are done without constitution and law," underscoring the need for adherence to legal frameworks. This statement reflects a broader concern about governance and the rule of law in the country.

The Chief Justice's remarks raise important questions about the management of public funds and the role of the judiciary in ensuring accountability. The ongoing dialogue between the court and WAPDA, along with the Auditor General and the Attorney General, aims to find a workable solution to the challenges faced in the dam fund management.

As the hearing is set to resume on Friday, the outcome will be closely watched by stakeholders invested in Pakistan's water management and infrastructure development. The resolution of this case could set a precedent for how public funds are handled in the future, emphasizing the importance of transparency and legal compliance in governmental operations.