Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah Reaffirms Opposition to Kalabagh Dam Amid KP Support
By Munawar Hasan | September 03, 2025
The debate over the Kalabagh Dam (KBD) continues as Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah once again voiced his opposition to the project, contrasting sharply with support from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.
Gandapur recently endorsed the Kalabagh Dam, marking the first time a prominent KP leader has openly backed the controversial project. Situated along the Indus River, the proposed dam aims to provide 0.35 million acre-feet (MAF) of water for irrigation, generate electricity, and help prevent floods. The project could irrigate nearly 440,000 acres of farmland in southern KP, supporting local agriculture and income generation.
However, Gandapur’s support remains largely symbolic until he secures backing from his party and passes a provincial assembly resolution. He emphasizes that the dam could revolutionize Pakistan’s agriculture sector, benefit KP, Punjab, and Sindh, and mitigate drought risks, urging all provinces to collaborate on the project.
In contrast, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah and his party continue to oppose the dam, citing longstanding concerns. He criticized proponents of the project, particularly in light of recent floods, highlighting the province’s differing stance from neighboring Indian states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, which have successfully utilized river water through major projects such as the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
The Kalabagh Dam debate underscores Pakistan’s ongoing challenges in balancing water management, agriculture, and provincial interests, as leaders weigh the potential benefits and risks of large-scale infrastructure projects.
