SC seeks record of 2005 earthquake funds from Erra

ISLAMABAD: On Wednesday, the High Court ordered the Seismic Tremor Reproduction and Restoration Authority (Erra) to provide complete details of the funds obtained and expended for the reconstruction of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region following the 2005 earthquake.

A suo motu lawsuit about the reconstruction of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's earthquake-stricken region was considered by a three-member seat of the summit court, led by Equity Ijazul Ahsan (KP).

The court also scheduled a face-to-face meeting for the next hearing date with the principal secretary and secretary assistant from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

An Erra chief informed the court during the consultation that Rs205 billion had been spent on the renovation and construction projects in Mansehera and Balakot.

Equity Ahsan learned about the review of spending at this point and directed the authorities to produce the review report of the Inspector General for Pakistan (AGP).

The judge observed that residents of the affected areas were given access to New Balakot City and noted that significant resources had been provided for it. According to the appointed authority, the court needs to be informed on how the assets were used.

The court worked with Erra to produce a comprehensive report that included a complete list of the assets acquired locally and abroad, their use, their residual assets, and their oversight.

The court also instructed the KP top secretary to write a new report on the resources needed for the restoration of the earthquake-affected areas before adjourning the lengthy meeting.