ISLAMABAD: Opposition in Senate have voiced strong protest on Kalabagh Dam and Akori dam projects chanting the slogans No to these dams and turning the house into fish market.
The state minister for parliamentary affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said government does not intend to initiate Kalabagh dam project and such projects will be launched with the approval of Council of Common Interests.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmad said in a supplementary question we have strong reservations over Kalabagh dam and Akori dam as they will devastate the economy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). These projects are tantamount to commit robbery over our water rights.
State minister Ali Muhammad Khan said Kalabagh dam report is there since 1988 and the incumbent government has taken no decision so far in this regard. No dam including Kalabagh and Akori will be built without the consultation of the provinces. Don’t play politics in the house.
The opposition members were not satisfied over minister’s reply and they gathered before the dais of chairman Senate voicing protest.
Chairman Senate while giving ruling said this dam will not be constructed unless all the four provinces and Council of Common (CCI) Interest agree on construction of Kalabagh dam.
Chairman Senate said protesting over the matter is right of opposition but the way they are protesting is not correct.
Senator Mian Raza Rabbani said that resolutions of all the provinces are there on the matter of Kalabagh dam. KP, Sindh and Balochistan provinces are opposed to construction of dam. This project can be implemented if all the provinces agree over it.
Dr Babar Awan said whatever decision is taken in the council of common interests about all controversial projects will be acceptable to the entire nation.
