Vawda defies pressure after controversial statement about 18th amendment

• Accuses PML-N of giving fabricated details regarding Dasu Dam

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda on Monday said that he would not succumb to any pressure on the pretext of 18th Constitutional Amendment when it comes to the welfare of the country.

He made these statements in a meeting with the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Saqib Nisar in his chamber.

“Construction of the dams is essential for the survival, as water reservoirs are becoming dry, ending with the passage of every single day,” said Faisal Vawda, adding that delay in this regard would cause loss of billions to the economy, which is already passing through the toughest time of the history.

The minister blamed the government of not doing enough to cater the problem of increasing water scarcity in the country.

The CJP on this occasion said that the provincial governments need to support the drive against illegal water hydrants and urged them to cooperate in actions against corruption and water theft.

Appreciating the measures taken by the federal water ministry about water resources, the CJP asked the provincial governments to support the minister to achieve the goals.

He directed the law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to provide adequate security to the Faisal Vawda, viewing the security threats faced by him.

ACCUSES PML-N OF GIVING FALSE DETAILS REGARDING DASU DAM PROJECT:

Separately, the minister said that water theft in Sindh will not be tolerated at any cost, as some landlords and politicians were using illegal means to irrigate their agricultural lands.

Talking about Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), he said that the previous government had forged details and told lies regarding Dasu Dam project and added that financial damages of Rs300 million are being occurred on daily basis.

While addressing a press conference, he stated that even the World Bank has expressed reservations on Dasu Dam project. “World Bank has categorically stated that this project could not be completed, however, we would try to complete this project till 2022” he added.

Responding a question, he stated that only 7 per cent of land had been purchased for this dam so far and added that seven-year delay of this project resulted in a loss to the nation.

“If this project completed on time, we can get electricity at Rs5 per unit” he reiterated.

He stated that Sindh is not providing a proper share of water to Karachi. He repeatedly said that he would not allow injustice to the people of Sindh and Karachi. Responding to another question regarding Diamer-Bhasha Dam funds collection, he stated that that apex court is looking after this matter.