A number of political parties have stressed the need for consensus among the provinces and political parties on Kalabagh Dam to end the prevailing power crisis in the country.
"The passage of 18th Amendment is a very positive sign of consensus among the political forces. Now politicians have another major responsibility and they must develop a consensus over the Kalabagh Dam which is vital in this current situation," said Tehrik-i-Istaqlal President Rehmat Khan Vardag, Seraikistan Qaumi Movement Chief Hameed Asghar Shaheen, Seraiki Inqilabi Council Chief Muzaffar Khan Magassi, PML-Q Punjab Vice President Makhdoom Rajan Bakhsh Gilani.
They further said the consensus over the 18th Amendment was a positive sign but it had also raised questions whether it contained anything for the benefit of people or not. They said the nation would have to strive for getting its rights, as without the fight for their rights, people could not get anything better for themselves. Regarding autonomy for provinces, they said voices should be raised for powers, not provincial autonomy and now the parameter should also be set that people could find solution to their problems only in democracy.
Local leaders said that after 1971, the country was passing through a critical phase and uncertainty was prevailing, adding that the situation had brought all the politicians on one table after the passage of 1973 Constitution. They said, after the passage of 18th Amendment, the responsibilities of the political forces had increased further and now it was compulsory for them to build consensus over the Kalabagh Dam to end the power crisis.
They said constitution must be implemented in letter and spirit and also stressed the prime minister to cut the size of the cabinet while exercising his power so that the benefits of 18th Amendment could reach to the public.
Besides, they also stressed the need for stern action against corrupt elements, saying that Quaid-e-Azam had warned that corruption was detrimental for the federation. PDP Chief Nawabzada Mansoor Ahmed Khan criticised the government for fooling the nation through its false promises and hollow slogans. He said the situation was worsening day by day but the present government was busy in making mockery of the public mandate while wasting time over non-issues.
He said PPP government raised issues about the so-called implementation of 1973 constitution but the present rulers could not even implement Article 6. He challenged the government to implement Article 6, which he believed could never be done, as the current rulers were responsible for giving a safe passage to Pervez Musharraf. He said it was the result of the efforts of President Zardari and Asfandyar Wali that the safe passage was given to the former president.
Former Speaker Syed Fakhar Imam said that not wealth, but character should be the basis of one's eligibility in politics. PML-Q leader and former Federal Minister Sikandar Hayat Bosan said what PML-N leadership did in Gujrat by-polls was shameful and highly condemnable.
He said that PPP and PML-N have re-awarded tickets to such person who kept deceiving the court that they possessed the right degree and even swore before it in the name of God. He said that it was high time that issues faced by the public should be resolved immediately. He said loadshedding was creating frustration among people and the issue should be resolved.