Choose either Pakistan or Kalabagh Dam, says ANP chief
Says even a Supreme Court decision in this regard will not be accepted by his party.
PESHAWAR:
The Awami National Party (ANP) jumped on the bandwagon against the construction of the Kalabagh Dam on Saturday, saying between Pakistan and the controversial project, only one could exist.
On November 29, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial directed the federal government to construct the Kalabagh Dam in compliance with a decision of the Council of Common Interests taken on September 16, 1991.
Addressing a jam-packed audience at the Nishtar Hall, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan minced no words when it came to his party’s opposition to the project. “They have to make a choice, whether they want Pakistan or Kalabagh Dam,” said Asfandyar, adding that his party was not ready to accept Punjab as a ‘commander of the federation’.
He went on to add that even a Supreme Court decision in this regard would not be accepted by his party, saying he was ready to face contempt charges for his views. “If an institution involves itself in a controversial issue, then this issue will make the institution controversial,” Asfandyar said, while asking his party workers to be ready to take action against the LHC decision.
Speaking about the party’s alliance in the upcoming elections, the ANP chief said, “Our doors are open for everyone, but we do not want anyone as we can fight on our own.” However, Asfandyar went on to add that those who wished to form an alliance with the ANP would have to adhere to his party’s terms and conditions.
The ANP chief also defended his party’s government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, saying immense development had taken place under K-P Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti’s tenure in the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2012.
The Awami National Party (ANP) jumped on the bandwagon against the construction of the Kalabagh Dam on Saturday, saying between Pakistan and the controversial project, only one could exist.
On November 29, Lahore High Court Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial directed the federal government to construct the Kalabagh Dam in compliance with a decision of the Council of Common Interests taken on September 16, 1991.
Addressing a jam-packed audience at the Nishtar Hall, ANP chief Asfandyar Wali Khan minced no words when it came to his party’s opposition to the project. “They have to make a choice, whether they want Pakistan or Kalabagh Dam,” said Asfandyar, adding that his party was not ready to accept Punjab as a ‘commander of the federation’.
He went on to add that even a Supreme Court decision in this regard would not be accepted by his party, saying he was ready to face contempt charges for his views. “If an institution involves itself in a controversial issue, then this issue will make the institution controversial,” Asfandyar said, while asking his party workers to be ready to take action against the LHC decision.
Speaking about the party’s alliance in the upcoming elections, the ANP chief said, “Our doors are open for everyone, but we do not want anyone as we can fight on our own.” However, Asfandyar went on to add that those who wished to form an alliance with the ANP would have to adhere to his party’s terms and conditions.
The ANP chief also defended his party’s government in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, saying immense development had taken place under K-P Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti’s tenure in the province.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 9th, 2012.