ANP central President Asfandyar Wali Khan said that his party will also not support Supreme Court decision, if allow to construct the controversial Kalabagh Dam, saying that it’s a unworkable project after opposition of three federating units. Addressing at a public gathering organised by ANP Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Kalabagh Dam issue here at Nishtar hall Peshawar, he said that the construction of KBD was against the spirit of federation following adversaries of three provinces.
He termed that the KBD was buried a project, and strongly criticised the verdict of Lahore High court in this regard. “The KBD is a not a legal issue, but a technical one, therefore, judiciary should not become a party in such controversial matters, which endanger the true spirit of federation” he remarked. “We consider Punjab a major unit of federation and we respect its leadership like our elder brothers but Punjab government as well as its leadership should also respect the interests of other province in federation” ANP president argued.
KP Chief Minister Amir Haider Hoti, ANP president, Sindh, Senator Shahi Ali Saeed, KP information Minister, Mian Iftikhar Hussain, and ANP leaders and workers were present. ANP chief made it clear that if the Punjab was desired to convoy a message to centre as supreme commander by construction of the controversial KBD. But, he said they will never bow before so-called supreme commander and stand by their stance on this issue. Whether, he said if Supreme Court will support regarding construction the KBD, it could also not acceptable to them. “We will strongly resist the construction of controversial KBD, and could not remain silent on it”, ANP president reiterated.
He said that certain elements were involved to raise the issue to balkanise the country despite opposition of three federating units. He urged the apex court to take Suo-motu notice on this sensitive matter against the controversial project. He mentioned that this is not the matter of any single province as other two province of Sindh and Balochistan are also against this discordant project.
Commenting of reports about ANP pre-poll alliance, he said doors are always open in the politics, but ANP didn’t consider yet make alliance with any political party for the upcoming general elections. “ANP will contest next elections on basis of its performance, he added. He claimed the ANP government had achieved success during last five years, having no precedent in history of the province.
While KP Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti said the KBD is a dead horse, and raising the issue aimed at to destroy the Pakhtuns nation. He said the construction of KBD a well organised conspiracy hatched against the Pakhtuns, which could be fulfilled, and those who want to work on this project, will face ultimate defeat. “The KBD is not acceptable at any cost, and will strongly resist at every fora”, he vowed.
