'Pakistan won't allow exploitation of its waters'

Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan government will not allow any country to exploit its water resources at any cost, adding that Pakistan has raised water dispute with India at every international forum. Speaking at '7th Achievement Award Ceremony 2011' of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at Expo Centre here Saturday, he said that the government had asked the Indian government to honour water accords with Pakistan.
The Prime Minister said that the government was aware of its responsibility to overcome energy crisis in the country. He said that country's economy had been adversely hit by the energy crisis, adding the decisions by the previous regimes had contributed to the unprecedented energy shortfall in the country. "The construction of new dams and import of electricity in order to fulfil the energy needs of the country are the priorities of the government," he added.
Gilani said a committee comprising federal ministers of Finance, Water and Power, Petroleum and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission would submit its report to the federal cabinet soon after Eid-ul-Fitr and committee's recommendations would bring relief to the masses. The Prime Minister said that his government was working towards formulating a modern taxation system in the country.