Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has dispelled the impression that he is against the construction of water conservation projects and dams, and said that he was of the belief that any dam, including the Kalabagh dam, if constructed it would be constructed with the consensus opinion of all stakeholders.
He was talking to newsmen after attending a training programme for police officers here on Saturday.
He said that no project could be imposed upon people without their consent. He said that to discuss the reservations to create a consensus opinion he would hold meetings with activists to impress upon them that in view of world warming and fast depleting water resources construction of water conservation projects "is imperative for us and our future generations".
Responding to a question, he said he would not give his personal opinion. He, however, said that construction of dam on river Indus was the need of the hour but it should be with consensus of the people. He said that there was change in people's viewpoint, and hoped that the people would gradually realise the facts and change their opinion.
He said that the President and Prime Minister would also hold meetings with nationalists to remove their doubts and reservations and solicit their consent on opinion to decide the construction of dams. He categorically said that "to-date no final decision has been taken" for the construction of major water projects.
The CM said that parliamentary leaders from treasury and opposition were engaged in reviewing the possibility of water reservoirs over the Indus River, and decision would be taken with mutual understanding.