coronavirus suo moto case
-CJP suggested abolishing NDMA over the authority’s failure to explain its expenses pertaining to pandemic, locust
By Ajmal Khan Yousafzai
ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday criticised the National Disaster Management Authority’s (NDMA) failure to ensure transparency in expenditures pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic and locust control.
A five-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed, heard the coronavirus suo moto case, during which the CJP suggested abolishing the NDMA over the authority’s failure to explain its expenses.
NDMA has yet to submit crucial documents, observed the CJP. “Where are the documents permitting imports of machinery from Al-Hafeez Crystoplast (Pvt) Ltd?” he asked. The CJP also inquired why the documents have not been submitted despite directives being issued thrice in this regard. Where are the details pertaining to chartering the aircraft and its payments, he asked further.
The director of NDMA maintained before the court that the authority did not import machines from Al-Hafeez company. The owner of the company has yet to appear, noted the CJP. The real issue is non-compliance with customs and other laws, he remarked.
Meanwhile, Justice Ijazul Hasan noted that the cost of the machinery has not been disclosed in the documents. Over Rs10.7 million was paid for the charter, observed the CJP. How were the payments made according to the charter agreement, he asked. How can someone give this much cash in Karachi, asked the CJP.
Where are the documents pertaining to imports of vaccine and the medicines, asked the CJP.
The relevant authorities will have to satisfy the court, said the Attorney General.
The CJP observed that it appeared that the NDMA would have to be abolished as its chief has failed to provide explanations.
Perhaps a lot has gone wrong and attempts are being made to cover up, observed the CJP. Should contempt of court notices be issued to the NDMA chief, he asked.
The institutions of the country should be run in a transparent manner, said the chief justice.
The NDMA was given a free hand and hefty amounts to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, said Justice Hasan. The authority is answerable to the court and the people, he added.
The NDMA is acquiring planes and machinery for locust control, noted the CJP. Transparency will have to be ensured through documents and not just verbal statements, he remarked, adding that it was not comprehensible how billions of rupees were being spent.
From corona to floods to locusts, everything has been handed over to the NDMA, remarked Justice Hasan. But the NDMA’s admin member himself does not know anything, he added.
On the other hand, The Supreme Court (SC) of Pakistan on Tuesday directed the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to immediately complete an inquiry against pilots of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) who possess fake licenses.
The apex court issued directives while hearing a suo motu case related to the COVID-19 crisis. A five-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Gulzar Ahmed, was hearing the case.
During the hearing, the apex court has ordered to file criminal cases against officials who were involved in the issuance of fake licensing to pilots.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction over reports of the CAA and PIA.
“There was a time when Hollywood actors considered travelling in Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) an honor, but look at the situation today, where does PIA stand?” remarked CJP Gulzar.
The chief justice said that PIA is protecting fake pilots and the court will put a ban on hiring in the national flag carrier.
At which, the managing director of PIA informed the court that Sindh High Court (SHC) has recently restored five fake pilots on a restraining order.
The director general of CAA informed the court that the government is bringing reforms in the authority.
“You are not capable of running CAA,” the CJP remarked.
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered authorities to immediately conclude action against pilots holding fake licenses and submit reports in the next two weeks.
The hearing of the case was adjourned for the next two weeks.
