‘Come what may’: Will not budge on Kalabagh Dam, says ANP chief

Says he accepts Punjab as an “elder brother”, but would never let the province control the centre.

CHARSADDA:

Categorically refusing to obey the verdict of any court in Pakistan, Awami National Party (ANP) chief Asfandyar Wali Khan said on Monday that his party will not budge from its stance on the Kalabagh Dam.

Addressing a rally soon after a remote controlled bomb targeting the procession went off, Asfandyar said his party would not let the dam be constructed at the cost of the Pakhtuns. “We will not change our decision even if the Supreme Court decides otherwise.”

Asfandyar said he accepted Punjab as an “elder brother”, but would never let the province control the centre.

Rubbishing rumours that the ANP will not form an electoral alliance in the upcoming parliamentary polls, Asfandyar said: “Our doors are open for everyone.”

Asfandyar added that elections cannot be won through sloganeering alone and that activists have to struggle hard to gain a standing with the people. He directed ANP’s district president to form committees in all union councils to launch a comprehensive election campaign.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2012.