Can’t start Kalabagh Dam on court order

Daily Times

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf on Saturday said that the Kalabagh project could not be launched with an executive or judicial order. Talking to a private news channel, the PM said that Pakistan was a federation of four units and all such important projects should be initiated with consensus. He said that some people were raising the Kalabagh dam issue at the time when elections were just round the corner. But such people had done nothing when they were in power for long periods of time, he added. The prime minister said that the three provincial assemblies had passed resolutions with consensus against the dam’s construction and discussions on the issue, which creates hatred, should be avoided. He said the first elected government was going to complete its tenure, which was a good omen, and would have a far-reaching impact on the country’s politics and democracy. Raja Pervez Ashraf said that elections would be held on stipulated time and the date would be announced in consultation with the leader of the opposition. He said that like the consensus appointment of the chief election commissioner, both the government and the opposition would work for strengthening the system. About the creation of southern Punjab province, the prime minister said that it was not a political or electioneering slogan but a genuine demand of the people of the region. He said that the government had taken all possible steps and formed a commission for the creation of new provinces. The stakeholders should not create hurdles in the creation of southern Punjab province, he added. To a question about government’s borrowing, the prime minister said that there was a big difference in perception and reality. The federal government had contained its expenditures, but the provinces had increased their expenses, even getting more funds under the 7th NFC Award. Despite inflation, the government’s expenditures have increased just by seven per cent, he added. The prime minister said that when the government came to power, the country was importing wheat, but now the commodity was being exported, earning foreign exchange. He said the government has provided food security to the people. The PM said that Balochistan was his government’s top priority. It is doing its best to restore law and order situation there and resolve other issues politically, he added. He said that the government had evolved a new policy of postings and transfers to appoint the most competent officers in Balochistan. All the development projects have been prioritised in the province, while special focus is being given on the early completion of Katchi Canal, he said and added that the Gwadar Port was being linked with Ratodero. He said that the government’s initiatives for the uplift of Balochistan were bringing positive results. Talking about the upcoming elections, the PM said that the government is determined to hold free, fair and independent election in the country. About the law and order situation of Karachi, the prime minister said that though the law and order issue was a provincial matter but the federal government was making all-out efforts to maintain the law and order in the port city. Regarding the issue of a Turkish power plant, Karkay, he said that the government would approach the apex court and request for an investor- friendly decision on the issue. agencies