Politicians and experts on Sunday advocated the construction of Kalabagh dam, saying the mega power project would help country make rapid strides towards stable economy. Speaking at a book-launching ceremony, they said objections raised by Sindh and NWFP on its construction were irrational.
Syed Hamid Hussain Sabzwari's book 'Kalabagh dam and our economy' was launched at a local hotel.
Federal Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sher Afgan Khan Niazi, Minister of State for Finance Omar Ayub Khan, MNA Mushtaq Victor, former Wapda chairman Shamsul Mulk and others were present on the occasion.
Addressing the participants, Sher Afgan Niazi said that Independent Power Producers (IPPs) are creating misunderstandings among the people that the government plans to dig out canals from Kalabagh dam.
Criticising IPPs, Niazi said that they are not in favour of providing electricity to consumers at cheap rates.
He said there is a dire need of a mega dam in the country, adding the government has no plan to dig out canals from the dam.
However, he was of the view that construction of Kalabagh and Bhasha dams simultaneously is not possible. He proposed that Kalabagh dam should be constructed first which would be less costly.
Airing his views, Omar Ayub Khan said the government is paying special attention to providing compensation to the victims of dam. He lamented that the government has not compensated all victims of Tarbela dam yet.
He warned that Pakistan would be in great trouble by 2025 if government does not take bold steps timely by constructing Kalabagh dam or other water reservoirs.
He claimed that the NWFP has no objection over the construction of Kalabagh dam, however, some elements are opposing it because of their vested interests.
He was hopeful that Kalabagh dam would be completed by 2013, which would be very beneficial for Sindh.
Treasury members from minorities, Mushtaq Victor also supported the construction of the dam. He said the government has already faced a massive water loss of 60 trillion gallons due to delay in its construction.
Speaking on the occasion, Shamsul Mulk said the government would have to pay huge price in future if it did not take positive steps right now.
He said there is no difference on this count among Sindhi, Pathan, Balochi and Punjabi people as all are well aware of the fact.
Speakers appreciated the book and said that such books pay important role in mobilising people.
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