Affirming decisions: PPP reiterates decision to fight elections alone

Anwar Saifullah says Kalabagh Dam is being politicised, constructing new dams essential.

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will stick to its stance and not form electoral alliances in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), said the party’s Provincial President Anwar Saifullah Khan while addressing a press conference at his residence on Thursday.

“PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari stands by his decision that the party will contest elections on its own,” said Khan, adding that he is hopeful that the party will be in a position to form the provincial government in the next polls.

While saying that the Awami National Party (ANP) has parted ways with the PPP and not the other way round, he said that if the ANP goes for an alliance with the Jamaiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) then it will be good for politics.

Commenting on the Kalabagh Dam Saifullah said: “It is a technical issue which has been politicised. The construction of new dams across the country is essential otherwise we might face a drought.”

The Kalabagh Dam should, however, be constructed with consensus, said Saifullah adding that those who believe it will drown Nowshera should recall the 2010 floods.

“I believe technical experts should brief the national and provincial assemblies on all aspects of the dam. Those who are opposing it may not be fully aware of the matter,” said the party leader.

During the address, former provincial finance minister Iftikhar Khan Mohmand announced to join the PPP as well. Mohmand has been elected to the provincial assembly at least five times and twice made provincial minister.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th, 2012.