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Gen Bajwa donates Rs1bn for dam fund on military's behalf
Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday called on Chief Justice Saqib Nisar at the Supreme Court to present a cheque of Rs1,005.99 million as the army's donation to the Diamer-Basha and Mohmand Dams Fund set up by the apex court, according to a statement issued by the SC.
In July, the armed forces of Pakistan had announced they would contribute funds for the construction of the Diamer-Basha and Mohmand dams.
“The officers of army, navy and air force will contribute their two days’ pay, while soldiers [will be donating] one day’s pay to the announced fund for this national cause,” the military's spokesperson had said.
Last week, Prime Minister Imran Khan spoke to the nation in a brief televised address to appeal for donations to the dams fund set up by the Supreme Court.
"When Pakistan was made, every Pakistani had 5,600 cubic metres of water. Today, that stands at only 1,000 cubic metres."
"We have storage capacity of only 30 days for water when the safe period for water storage is 120 days. India has a capacity of 90 days. This is why making the dam for us is so important."
Warning of the rapid depletion in Pakistan's water resources, the premier said the country would face drought-like conditions by 2025 if immediate steps were not taken.
"I want to commend Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar [for starting the dams fund], but this was not his job," he had said. "This was the job of civilian leaders who knew this was going to swell into a crisis but did nothing to thwart it."
"I want to take over the fund-raising and want overseas Pakistanis to contribute like they used to do for the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital, he had said.
The prime minister asked all overseas Pakistanis to make as many donations as they can to the dams fund in dollars to plug the country's depleting foreign exchange reserves as well as provide funding to start building dams, which he said he would personally oversee.
"I will safeguard your donations [against misuse]," he had promised.
Sarfraz and co chip in with Rs3.2m
Hours before the COAS handed over the cheque to the chief justice, Pakistan cricket team also made its contribution to the dam fund, according to captain Sarfraz Ahmed.
The national team, which is busy preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 these days, deposited Rs3.2 million.
"Each player contributed Rs200,000 to the cause," shared Sarfraz.
Comments (87) Closed
Sir population has grown many folds
Why cant we simply slice all budgets including defense to the agreed amount and use it to for dam construction? Why it is important that first funds are released reach to the department and then department give it back for dam construction. I am sorry but all this seems lacks seriousness. May be just 5% cut from all the heads?
Is this new money ontop of the 1.93 billion already collected or just the actual contribution that was already snnouncec earlier through enforced pay cuts?
Yet another example set by Pak Armed Forces. Thank you for all your sacrifices.
Well done our brave, loyal and patriotic army, we are proud of you.
@Nomi Goraya Because as of yet, these are donations, which a person can give as he pleases. Some and some less.
I am sorry General Bajwa, but the civilian government should not be the sole bearer of this blame. Remember, Pakistan has been been under military rule for over 3 decades. Therefore, you have no right to blame a civilian government who until 10 years ago have had proper democracy implemented.
Well done. Way to go. This will surely induce a lot of people to donate.
@Uzair That is the point that cost of dam is not as we PLEASE we need to have certain fixed amount to construct the dam if we seriously want to built the dam. If you have mega project like dam then you need to slice your other budgetary needs. Why not to built Kalabagh dam which is far more easy site if we are so much concerned about the water shortages.
Excellent move by the COAS. Keep it up and hang on tough.
Dam fund should also be collected from water consumers. Every household uses water, whether it be council supplied or ground water. They should pay based on consumption if not paying a water bill already. This can be based on electricity consumption and can start from anyone consuming 300 units to pay, say Rs300pm, and those consuming above 500 units, to pay Rs 500pm. If you don't tax the very commodity that you are trying to save, you won't get anywhere. And what's better than using that tax to safeguard its availability in future.
PAK ARMY ZINDABAD
Why dont they cut defense budget by $500million per year and we can have money for dam right now.
In the UK and other developed countries, introduction of water meters has resulted in significant reduction in water consumption. People who used a hosepipe to wash their car, now make use of a bucket as now it hurts their pockets if they waste water. Previously they would pay a fixed amount on estimated consumption based on number of a household inhabitants. We should also move to such a system for managing this resource to avoid any wastage and improve water table.
We certainly trust you Prime Minister. But do tell us that if 10 overseas Pakistanis contribute $1000 each and within the hour another Pakistani in Pakistan can easily take out $10000 on a trip to Dubai, how does it help?
Other institiutions of the country have also require to play their role in contribution!
These funds and coalition efforts are making Pakistanis united, something which was missing since a few years. These endeavors make me feel like a proud, yet concerned citizen of Pakistan.
Yeh Dharti Meri Maa Hai!
Combined annual river flows of all rivers in 1947 was 193 MAF and population of West wing was just about 40 million. Today the population has exploded to reach 210 million while annual river flows has reduced to only 126 MAF. Besides, we have not added a single MAF to the water storage since 1976 while the storage has shrunk down by 40% during the same period. And nobody is asking those responsible for such a big loss.
@Perplexed
Agreed,
This is hilarious. Reallocation of government funds is not "donation".
You had budget surplus? of 1 billion Rs. !
@M. Saeed:- One Acre foot of water is 1,233.5 Cu. meters of water. One MAF therefore is 1.2335 billion cu. meters.
Instead of 'donating' a mere Rs billion (less than $10 million) he should have asked the Finance Minister to cut the defense budget by 10% and THAT would have saved $1.5 billion, a significant amount.
Thank you COAS and all the aed forces. Your contribution is not only on the borders but also for civil society as well.
So far one way traffic is seeing some change for good. In last 70 years we have done almost nothing for the country. Time of think for Pakistan.
We as a nation are proud and profoundly indebted to our armed forces, who never hesitate to sacrifice their lives, wellbeing for the country in hours of need. This rare show of unity amongst all the stakeholders of this great nation, seen once again after 1965, shows that the Pakistanis always come forward for a cause to participate showing unity, faith & discipline as our great Qaid taught us, if approached correctly. I, for one, salute our great CJP, who made this feat possible after all these years of disharmony & confusion this poor country & its people were enduring.This may be our good stars that the divine power has given us this opportunity to fall in line & address all our teething problems causing immense misery and hardships to all of us, with resolute, determination & unity. We being a nation though not so resourceful but outranks others in giving charity to the needy, will not dither coming forward & contribute to urgently needed fund to avert this looming water crises.
Each General should have donated a plot each. Considering how lavish their lifestyle is in a poor country.
These cosmetic measures would neither serve the desired purpose nor inspire others to donate. Such mega projects which cater for fundamental needs of the people are not executed through such emotional steps. Building of dams, roads, bridges, schools and hospitals is the very minimum responsibility, which should be fulfilled by any government in routine and which has been mercilessly ignored by all governments. However, these sins of the past cannot be atoned through donations.
The Armed Forces of Pakistan single-handedly consume a major chunk of the budget. They are by any definition of the word the richest segment of our society. Their donation towards dams while appreciable is not the answer. They got more, they donated more.
The Government is on austerity drive. Cuts are being applied but not across the board. As suggested by readers here, there should be a reasonable cut in defence expenditure because security situation has improved as claimed by authorities.
Moreover, many civilian buildings like PM house and Governor houses are being vacated for other uses. These cuts should also be applied to the Armed Forces. Big houses occupied by military personnel should be got vacated and batsmen at their disposal removed. Sadly, I have not heard a single word from the rulers to this effect. A thorough audit of the expenditure being incurred on the Armed Forces needs to be carried out. I can assure you an across the board austerity drive will carry a positive message not just for Pakistanis but for the outside world.
@Alla Bux "Instead of 'donating' a mere Rs billion (less than $10 million) he should have asked the Finance Minister to cut the defense budget by 10% and THAT would have saved $1.5 billion, a significant amount." Why not 100%.? And why not cutting the whole government budget? That will save even more significant amount!!!!
please work towards peace with your neighbors; cut defense spending; and put in place some austerity measures as well so that funds could be reallocated towards health and education.
@Perplexed "introduction of water meters has resulted in significant reduction in water consumption. " Introduction of a license to own a car ( and other expensive item) will significantly reduce water consumption. People will not buy cars and will not need to wash them with fresh water.
Tax payers money
This is a great initiative. I as overseas Pakistani feel that my country fox living abroad will pleasantly surprise Prime Minister by donating generously towards this cause. And same goes for people residing in Pakistan from all walks of life.
I'm still waiting for someone to provide official details of these projects. What are the Phases, timeframes, and costs... If nothing has been done or prepared... Are there any official/endorsed feasibility and other study/ies which are done in last 5 yrs which we can looked at. Or are they collecting these funds to just do that?? Thank you.
Why say Army Chief contributed in fund, say Army contributed in the fund. If army army personals cut fifty percent of extra ordinary benefits and save money on other luxuries , billion can be saved for Dam.
Armed forces were paid 9 billion for security arrangements during elections.
Why compare with India?
This is new money. Previously it was 1.8 billion. Now with the 1billion from the army, the total comes to 2.8 billion. Crickit team also announced today 3.2 million.
How many Pakistani earn $1000 per month abroad? I think ave Pakistani in middle east earn less than $500 per/month even in USA Europe or Can da they earn under $1000 after paying local taxes . How this equation will solve to pay the dam project and what is the gurantee every pakistani will get water in home.
One big reason the consumption of water has gone up is because of population explosion, which has grown about 7 time since independence. I know it is a thorny issue but this need to be addressed on an urgent bases also. M Khan
@SadFaces dont blame army most dams were built under them not corrupts
@Tariq Gee so they dont have the right to have or give money?
@K Maliks Excellent suggestion! All sensible people must force our politicians and army to work in that direction!
@Socrates Have friendship accords and no war pact with our neighbors and reduce the expenditure on army and stop buying arms, ammunition, war planes and war ships. Stop spending on nuclear weapons! This is the need of the day!
@zahid defense budget is also crucial at present. But in better atmosphere it should be done.
Scaling down on Army expenses from 26% to 10% of our GDO will save a lot of money for civilians. India spends just 2% if its GDP on army.
ماشا اللہ
The officers of army, navy and air force will contribute their two days’ pay, while soldiers [will be donating] one day’s pay to the announced fund for this national cause,” the military's spokesperson had said." Excellent gesture.But does 2 day's pay of officers and a day that of soldiers add up toRs 1 billion .That would work out to be Rs15 billion for just pay for three forced per month. Big sum.
So far only Rs2 billion had been raised in 2 months... Half of which had been contributed by armed forces.
At this pace it will take 122 years to build this dam.. Need to try a different Approach as it's pretty clear dams cannot be built by crowd funding.
If army and cricket team donating money what about our government are they doing any thing?
Thank you COAS and all the amed forces. Your contribution is not only on the borders but also for civil society as well.
Well done Pak army . You have played your part. It is time for contribution by the politicians who claim they are in politics to help country and masses. Will any body tell me the amount of contributions donated by Imran Khan, Zardari and Nawaz family.
@SadFaces The General.never blamed anyone but has come forward to help on the call of the CJP and the civilian government.
@Tariq Gee does that bother you?
@K Maliks no thanks
@Perplexed for meter we need best water sharing and pumping system....
Pak Armed Forces Zindabad.
@SadFaces ------Agreed.
@zahid ------Agreed.
@Ahmed ------Agreed.
Excellent, we are proud of our forces.
Everything except increasing tax base
The grateful people of Pakistan salute our armed forces for their selfless service to the nation. Pakistan Zindabad.
@Nomi Goraya no compromise on defence .....the one and only reason Pakistan is still alive!
@Tariq Gee
Everybody gets paid by tax payers money one way or the other INCLUDING you.
Isn't that government money in the first place?
@Nomi Goraya right on!!
MashaAllah. May Almighty bless brave Pak forces. Long Live Pakistan.
@Zafars to be honest, that is the worst calculation as well as logic in my opinion.
We have to bring the population under control. Any economic growth that is achieved, will be wiped away with population growth. The land and resources of Pakistan are finite, yet the population keeps on growing and growing. At the time of separation of East Pakistan, West Pakistan had a population of 55 million people. Now it is close to 220 million people in the same land mass.
@Nomi Goraya - Your comments are just good enough to get some clicks from certain trolls. You are doing them a good service!
By the way, whatever happens to kalabagh dam.
That is peoples money!! Donate from your salaries.
@zahid
Mr. zahid,
Valid point.
1 Billion donated 999Billions more to go.
Blessed to have leaders like Gen Bajwa, our PM Imran Khan and our CJ Nisar.
@SadFaces Not yet mature democracy dear.
What's our annual defence budget?
It’s after all tax payers money. Not a donation.
I see some people are supporting the cut in defense budget. May I suggest that all those who are purposing this look at other countries defense budget proportions namely USA, China, Russia and India. Pak Army budget is reasonable. And may I also remind you that amongst the lot whoever belongs to Pakistan in one way or the other - it’s because of our valiant soldiers that we sleep at peace at night. Like it or not, it is the Armed forces which have saved this country so far from Mir Jaffars of this society and will continue to do so regardless of criticism. Pakistan Zindabad!
Govt must pass a law asking all property owners having houses built on 1000yds to pay Rs. 500,000, 500yds to pay Rs. 100,000, 250yds to pay Rs. 25,000 towards dam fund. and all this will be tax exempted. only poor paying towards this fund. Wealthy accumulating money abroad. Get money from rich.
@Nomi Goraya
sell their official cars and cantt lavish houses. No ACs in offices will reduce expenses. Same goes for our government.
@Nomi Goraya That is true. But the point is that the government hasn't yet decided to go for pay cuts and other measures yet. It has only asked for donations. It is the more civilized option if it could gather enough funds. But if not, other measures could be utilized. The 10-14 billion dollars, are required over a period of about 9-10 years, not immediately. Regarding the Kalabagh dam, you probably do know, but failed consider that the civilian population is different from army, in that it does not do what it is told. And probably know the literacy rate and its definition in the country, and the exploitative nature of politics. It would take people some time to make people understand that their biggest fears about the dam are unfounded. Meanwhile, we do have many other options and it would be criminal to delay those on account of Kalabagh.
@Perplexed Someone on TV mentioned that the water consumption by commercial and households is about 2.5 each, 40-70% goes to the sea and the rest, primarily by agriculture. So water meters would help only a little if they're applied to households only.
@Nomi Goraya , the most sensible comments
@Asad "I see some people are supporting the cut in defense budget. " Palestine has the smallest defense budget in the world. Maybe that's the way they want to live.