Supreme Court Issues Notice to KP Advocate General in Khanpur Dam Contaminated Water Case

Islamabad: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued a notice to the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the suo motu case concerning the supply of contaminated water from Khanpur Dam.

During the hearing, WAPDA’s counsel, Ahsan Raza, informed the constitutional bench that Khanpur Dam is the only source of water supply for around five million people. He stated that while previously only 20 boats operated on the dam, the number has now increased to 326, significantly affecting water quality.

Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail remarked that the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) should establish clear rules regarding the issue. Justice Shakeel Ahmad added that the dam administration has the authority to prohibit motorboats if necessary.

The counsel further explained that private operators are earning money through boating and have even established six resorts in the area.

Chief Justice Aamer Farooq questioned how these boats were operating without proper authorization, while Justice Mandokhail asked about WAPDA’s role in preventing such activities. The lawyer responded that WAPDA had filed an application before the magistrate but the situation worsened after Khanpur was upgraded to a tehsil.

Justice Aminuddin Khan observed that if the boats are causing pollution, alternatives should be explored. The counsel suggested that electric boats could be used as an eco-friendly option.

The court subsequently issued a notice to the KP Advocate General and adjourned the hearing indefinitely.