Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani while addressing a moot on water and power development has commended the efforts of Water and Power Ministry as also of Wapda while also commenting that the Kalabagh Dam became a victim of political controversy. It is unfortunate that the PPP even in its third tenure has not been able to sort out the political controversy on Kalabagh Dam in spite of its claim to represent all the provinces of Pakistan.
A perfect water and power project has not been built since four decades. It is suggested that a negotiator may be appointed by the Prime Minister from amongst retired Supreme Court judges acceptable to all the provinces to call a meeting of their representatives including engineers to once for all hear out all the controversial points and give a verdict on the net benefits of the dam to satisfy the all concerned.
This is essential as Bhasha dam alone would require too long a time while Kalabagh Dam could be built in half the time if political reconciliation could be achieved on the project in a transparent manner.
DR MUHAMMAD YAQOOB BHATTI
Lahore