KARACHI: Chief Justice Saqib Nisar remarked on Saturday that the provision of clean drinking water is the responsibility of Sindh government, while hearing the water pollution case at the Karachi registry today. 

A four-member Supreme Court bench under Chief Justice Saqib Nisar is hearing the case. 

The chief justice observed that the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was summoned in the court to give a timeframe for resolving the water pollution crisis in the province. 

"Contaminated water is being put in the rivers and lake, which is later provided to the people for consumption," he said. "We have raised the water pollution issue in Punjab as well, we will get it resolved."

The chief justice remarked that due to the consumption of contaminated water citizens are facing acute diseases, including hepatitis.  

He questioned the Sindh Advocate General that what action Sindh government has taken against the Water tanker mafia, adding that the court reserves the option to issue 'contempt of the court' notice.  

"Court wants a time frame on oath. We should be told what actions Sindh government has taken from December 5," he said.

The chief justice told Sindh Chief Secretary that the water pollution issue must be resolved before next general elections. He observed that as much as 45 mgd contaminated water is being put in the sea on daily basis. 

The court for its today's hearing has summoned details of the PC-1 of the industrial treatment plan from the Sindh government.

In the case's earlier hearing, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar observed that human waste is being deliberately released in water being used by the residents of Sindh.

The remarks of the chief justice came after a short-film about contaminated water was shown in the courtroom.

Sindh?s water being deliberately contaminated with human waste: CJP

Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar is conducting the proceedings

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and former Karachi mayor Mustafa Kamal were also present at the Karachi registry to appear before the bench hearing the case.

During the hearing, Chief Justice Nisar remarked that the water situation in Sindh is troublesome, adding that the chief minister has been summoned so they can resolve the situation together. The chief justice stressed it was the responsibility of the government to provide clean water to residents.

"If you say, we both can go drink and check the quality of water from any stream in Mithi," Chief Justice Nisar remarked.

Justice Nisar added: "I wish [PPP leader] Bilawal Bhutto Zardari knew of the [water] situation in Larkana".

He further asked the chief minister to rid Karachi populace of water tankers, adding that it was his (CM Shah's) responsibility to provide the citizens with clean water.

The chief justice further said they would not interfere in the administrative affairs, however, they would also not allow anyone, be it the chief minister or the prime minister, to act against the constitution.

"Even if we have to come to Karachi every week and summon you, we would do that," he told CM Shah.

'Situation not as dire'

Sindh Cheif Minister Murad Ali Shah informed the bench hearing the case that the water crisis is not as extreme as shown by the petitioner, adding that "if I get an opportunity I will show my video to the court".

He was referring to a short video by petitioner Shahab Usto which was shown earlier in court through a projector.

The chief minister said that the provincial government is working to resolve the issue, however, it is facing a shortage of funds.

Shah claimed that 100 per cent water supplied to Lahore, 73 per cent in Sheikhupura and 88 per cent in Sargodha is arsenic, adding that the court proceedings appear to only single-out Sindh.