SC expresses dissatisfaction over NDMA, rejects report  

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of preparedness by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in its response in a suo motu case pertaining to coronavirus.

In this regard, the Top Court has asked Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of the management authority. A five-member bench headed by Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed heard the suo motu case. A representative of the NDMA appeared before the court.

the Chief Justice of Pakistan expressed anger over non-submission of important documents pertaining to the machinery that was imported from China in the name of Al-Hafeez.

“Where are the documents? Why have the documents not been given despite orders from the court? What is Al-Hafeez? Who is the owner?” the chief justice asked. He highlighted that the documents were being sought since the last three hearings.

During the hearing, Justice Ejazul Haq asked about the payment for the machinery imported from China. “Where are the details of chartering the plane and its payments?” he asked.

Responding to these questions, the Director Admin NDMA replied that the LC Company had bought and paid the customs duty, the machinery of the company was not imported by the NDMA.

In this regard, CJP said that the owner of the company hasn’t shown up yet. “The real problem is non-compliance with customs and other laws. He did not take the court orders seriously,” he added.

CJP further said, “Why shouldn’t we take action against the NDMA for the contempt of court. We have asked the Prime Minister to remove the NDMA chairman because the court orders were ridiculed.”

Justice Ejazul Haq said that the NDMA tried to get rid of the investigation by attaching only four papers to answer the questions. The court also rejected the NDMA report while the CJP said that it was not clear how the NDMA was spending billions of rupees. “Documents will have to be provided to show transparency,” he added.

Justice Ijaz informed that coronavirus, floods, locust attacks, and everything else has been handed over to NDMA. “In this regard, NDMA is accountable to the court and the people,” he added.

Addressing the attorney general in this regard, the CJP said, “What kind of spectacle is going on? Should we recommend the Prime Minister to abolish the NDMA and give contempt notice to its chairman.”