Peshawar(TheCOWNews Digital)Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has reignited the long-standing debate over the construction of the Kalabagh Dam, calling it a project in the national interest, and expressing confidence that consensus could be achieved if concerns of Sindh and Balochistan were addressed.
Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), CM Gandapur stressed the importance of resolving the water and energy crisis in Pakistan, and identified Kalabagh Dam as a crucial component of that solution.
“Kalabagh Dam is in the best interest of Pakistan. If Sindh and Balochistan’s concerns are addressed, building consensus won’t be difficult,” Gandapur said.
He added that once an agreement is reached among the provinces, passing a resolution in the assembly in favor of the dam would not be a challenge.
ANP’s Opposition and Political Reality
The Chief Minister dismissed opposition to the project by the Awami National Party (ANP), calling it a party with limited political influence. “ANP is just a single-seat party. Their opposition carries little weight when measured against national interest,” he said.
The Kalabagh Dam has remained a controversial project for decades, with strong resistance from Sindh and Balochistan who claim it threatens their water rights and ecological balance. However, proponents argue it could resolve power shortages, reduce dependency on fossil fuels, and provide critical irrigation support.
Commitment to Press Freedom and Criticism of PECA
In the same meeting, Gandapur strongly defended media freedom and condemned the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), describing it as a threat to freedom of speech. He affirmed that his government rejects PECA and has not allowed any FIRs to be filed under the law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“We will not tolerate any action against citizens under PECA in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Freedom of expression is a constitutional right, and even criticism of our government is welcome,” he stated.
He encouraged media houses to hold the government accountable and even expressed willingness to accept false allegations without retaliation. “Only Allah will judge accusations. We will not act against critics or journalists,” Gandapur said.
Criticism of Punjab’s Public Awareness Act
Gandapur also took aim at Punjab’s recently passed Public Awareness Act, labeling it undemocratic, unconstitutional, and un-Islamic. He questioned the legitimacy of a law drafted during the caretaker government, and whether Punjab is still being run under interim rule.
“If in Islam, the Caliph of the time could be questioned, then no one is above accountability,” the Chief Minister remarked. “Punjab’s law contradicts both Islamic values and the constitutionally protected right to free speech.”
Concluding his remarks, Gandapur said that media is the voice of the people and must continue to ask tough questions. “We are public servants and accountable to the people. Journalists must keep questioning. This is their right, and our duty is to answer.”
