KP CM Supports Kalabagh Dam, Sparks Debate Within PTI and Across Pakistan
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has publicly expressed his support for the long-debated Kalabagh Dam, urging national dialogue to build consensus among provinces.
Speaking to the media, Gandapur said, “Smaller dams cannot replace the Kalabagh Dam. Pakistan needs this project. We should set aside politics and focus on the state’s interests.” He emphasized the importance of addressing provincial concerns and involving the media to foster constructive debate.
The KP CM also voiced support for creating new provinces, highlighting that smaller administrative units could improve governance in Pakistan.
Gandapur noted that floods and water management remain pressing issues, adding that KP is constructing two dams independently and advocating cooperation with Sindh to ensure fair water distribution.
Division Within PTI
However, Gandapur’s stance has caused a rift within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser clarified that Gandapur’s remarks reflect his personal opinion, not the party’s official position. Qaiser stressed that PTI policy favors smaller dams and local projects, such as the Chashma Right Bank Canal, to address water needs.
PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja echoed this view, emphasizing that national consensus among provinces is essential before pursuing any major dam project.
Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan expressed that while dams are necessary, they must be built with consensus. He pointed out that recent floods have highlighted the urgency of effective water management and that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) also advocates provincial agreement on such projects.
Opposition Parties React
Gandapur’s comments have drawn strong criticism from several parties. PPP Sindh president Nisar Khuhro said, “The KP CM is disregarding the will of his own provincial assembly. The people of Sindh will never accept the Kalabagh Dam.” He also questioned PTI’s record on completing key projects like Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams.
ANP chief Aimal Wali labeled the Kalabagh Dam as ineffective in preventing recurring floods, while JUIF spokesperson Abdul Jalil Jan called it a “dead horse,” referencing Gandapur’s earlier promise to build 350 dams. QWP provincial chairman Sikandar Sherpao highlighted that three provincial assemblies have already passed resolutions against the dam, citing ongoing work on Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams as viable alternatives.
In contrast, PML-N senior leader and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif welcomed Gandapur’s statement, stressing that Pakistan urgently needs water storage solutions to prevent annual wastage of excess water into the sea.
The Kalabagh Dam debate is set to remain a contentious national issue, balancing water security needs with political sensitivities across Pakistan’s provinces.
