LAHORE: Punjab Mass Transit Authority Managing Director Sibtain Fazl-i-Aleem told the Supreme Court on Sunday that the Orange Line Metro Train project would be completed by the end of May.

He said the government had set the target to inaugurate the project on May 10, however, it may extend to May 25.

CJP Nisar told him to complete the project as soon as possible as it was causing unbearable dust on roads. “I think you would not take it beyond May 31,” said the chief justice while referring to the deadline for the upcoming caretaker set-up.

Mr Aleem had appeared before the court being member of a search committee formed for the appointment of vice chancellors.

RARE DISEASE: The chief justice directed Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafiq to import a machine within 10 days for the treatment of two minor siblings suffering from a rare disease.

Punjab Health Secretary Najam Shah and some senior doctors present in court told the chief justice that the children had been suffering from a rare disease since birth which kept disturbing cholesterol level in their body. The doctors said they never came across any such patient during their whole career.

Dr Ayaz from Services Hospital stated that the machine required for their dialysis-like treatment was not available in Pakistan. He said the machine would cost Rs7 million to Rs8 million if government wants to import it.

CJP Nisar observed that the Supreme Court was ready to arrange the money for the purchase of the machine if the government had any financial constraints. “I can arrange the amount by this evening from any philanthropist,” said the chief justice.

The health minister undertook that the government would import the machine within no time.

The chief justice directed the government to ensure best available treatment of the children.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2018