"For Kalabagh Dam, I have always maintained that it cannot be considered unless there is a national consensus in favour of it." - Imran Khan PHOTO: REUTERS
Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Friday clarified his stance on the controversial Kalabagh Dam, stating that while dams were necessary, their construction cannot be considered till a favourable national consensus is evolved.
According to a statement issued on his party's official website, insaf.pk, Imran reacted to Mian Iftikhar Hussain of Awami National Party (ANP) for allegedly misrepresenting the PTI's position on the controversial dam.
"For Kalabagh Dam also, I have always maintained that it cannot be considered unless there is a national consensus in favour of it. This is the long standing viewpoint of the PTI and of myself," Imran said.
He stated that parties like the ANP, who allegedly failed to deliver to the people of Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa are now trying to revive their political fortune by misrepresenting PTI and its chairman's position on the Kalabagh Dam.
Imran concluded that no project can be feasible if it creates divisions and antagonisms amongst the provinces. PTI as a national party that is equally sensitised to the interests of all the people of Pakistan and has always believed in the principle of national consensus-building, Imran reiterated.
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@ John the Baptist Big LOL! I liked that :)
People need to consider options. How about water recycling? Pakistan is one of the most water stressed countries in the world. Lack of leadership on water management reveals failure to be responsible. All politicians are guilty.
http://www.wri.org/blog/world%E2%80%99s-37-most-water-stressed-countries World’s 37 Most Water-Stressed Countries http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/07/22/2336941/pakistan-now-one-of-the-most-water-stressed-countries-in-the-world-as-demand-exceeds-supply/ Pakistan Now ‘One Of The Most Water-Stressed Countries In The World’ As ‘Demand Exceeds Supply’ http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/07/pakistans-new-big-threat-isnt-terrorism-its-water/277970/ Pakistan's New Big Threat Isn't Terrorism—It's Water
@Ibad:
What flavour of opium are you on?
That is a much appreciable statement by Khan Sahib contrary to his stance on Taliban. The desire to build Kalabagh dam is immense in Punjab, but we need to understand that it is more a political issue then a technical one. Why; because if there were any technical issues like flooding etc., it has already been taken cared. Why it is political; because the smaller provinces feel that they are not equal partners in the federation and it is Punjab which calls all the shorts like foreign policy which ends up consuming major part of budget on defense, judicial imbalance and issues like strong center etc. By defying construction of kalabagh dam, smaller provinces found a way within their reach to challenge Punjab supremacy. My feeling is once political process flourishes like now, and 19th amendments is being implemented in its letter and spirit then all the provinces will start feeling that they have a say in the federation and not on the mercy of Punjab anymore. That will be the time much desired consensus will come up to build this dam. I guess it may take ten plus more years. Meanwhile, climate changes like more rains in Indus River’s en-catchment area can also influence opinion of smaller provinces especially Sindh as this dam can save them from flooding.
"heir construction cannot be considered till a favourable national consensus is evolved." Everybody says that what is new.Tell us your efforts for building consensus on Kalabgh dam.Zero effort isn't it.
As a true leader, I wish Imran Khan has taken a stand for Kalabagh dam as without that Pakistan's need for water can't be met. He is the only one who can stand to bullies and defend what is good for Pakistan.
Nagar Nagar Qali Qali, Jiye Wali Jiye Wali, the Pushtuns were hasty in electing imran and were easily beguiled. Their foolhardiness resulted in PTI coming to power. However it is silly to think that the Legacy of Bacha Khan has been outset from Pashtunkhwa.....After all Drun Pashtano, Drun !
There is nothing new in this statement.
That is a U-turn with a HANDBREAK........
Nothing good can be expected from IK. Kalabagh Dam is need of the hour. What efforts have been done by IK to create consensus?
This is called U turn. Last day you were saying something else.
Disgruntled and frustrated elements in ANP who have been permanently & utterly booted out of power in KP are now sulking, sitting at home on their twitters and misrepresenting facts against PTI. Shame on you all
IK hasn't figured out that the current govt was elected by "national consensus" and is empowered to make decisions for the people of Pakistan - that's what happens in a representative Democracy.. He also hasn't figured out that PTI lost the election by a landslide.
"Kalabagh can't be considered till favourable national consensus is evolved" So whats new in that?......
Long live IK. A succinct clarification from the true leader. Mian Iftikhar i wonder what is ANP going to say next?
A true leader always speaking about PAKISTAN not just his own province unlike other provincial-centric political parties
If people of Pakistan honestly want electricity for their homes, offices and factories, they have to construct Kalabagh dam and many like that. otherwise 15th century life is just there. in fact, many are already living in 15th century like situation.
Imran is right! PTI zindabad. For some reason I feel like it's a blessing in disguise that PTI did not win the 2013 elections, the problems are so severe and corruption is so high, I feel that even PTI could not solve these specific problems. Just got a feeling nawaz will be ousted soon.
Youre such a disappointment Imran, you really are. I was never a PTI-groupie like most young people but youve still been a disappointment to me.
I am sorry, Khan Shaib.
As a self proclaim leader of New Pakistan you should come out strongly in SUPPORT of Kala Bagh Dam cuz it is a matter more of national survival rather than national consensus.
ANP is broken and now dying a slow death and same will happen to PPP till the next elections. PTI should called the bluff and ask Govt to construct Hydo Electric Projects at God Speed and once Kala Bagh Dam completed, the surplus water, power & other fringe benefits will remove any inter provincial discord if there is any.
regards,
ANP trying hard to keep their politics alive.
Kalabagh's Original design can be altered to have a smaller dam and rather than 4000 megawatts approx it can generate around 2000 megawatts of electricity. The new design can end the problem of water logging in KPK as it will solely remain in Punjab region and also Sindh will have no objection as well but unfortunately it have been transformed into a fake dignity problem and now we are facing the music of ignorance prevailed in Pakistan.
Punjab is hugely in favor of it. KPK and Sindh opposed historically. If you get the bill approved and relax stakeholders, half the job will be done. Atleast play your role, dont be afraid of losing KPK votes.
100% consensus can not be achieved in democarcy
Is this even a news. Any sane man would say what he has said.