Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday gave the Punjab government three weeks to control malnutrition in Thar.
The Supreme Court was informed that at least 60,000 residents of drought-stricken Thar live below the poverty line in the impoverished region.
The bench, headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, also asked for a detailed report on the matter. Justice Nisar requested Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leaders Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari to assist on the issue.
“Appeal for donations or seek help from the public, do what you must but conditions in Thar must not deteriorate further,” the CJP urged.
During the hearing, the chief justice also questioned the head of the SC-mandated Judicial Commission on Water and Sanitation, Justice (r) Amir Hani Muslim, on the prevailing water crisis in Thar.
The court advised the authorities to ensure the provision of medical facilities in all hospitals to take emergency measures regarding the provision of water and food.
Justice Nisar also said he would visit Mithi on Sunday.
The Sindh AG informed the court that most people die because the food they eat contains little nutrition. Lawmaker Ramesh Kumar added that the area has no schools or health centres. The provincial AG suggested forming a committee to probe the matter.
Published in Daily Times, September 12th 2018.
