By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: A renewed push by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur to revive discussions on the long-dormant Kalabagh Dam project has ignited a firestorm of criticism from political leaders across Pakistan, exposing deep-seated regional divisions over a project that has been stalled for decades.
Gandapur’s remarks, which framed the dam as critical for the nation’s future, were met with sharp rebukes from opposition parties and even members of his own Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who pointed to past provincial resolutions opposing the project.
On Monday, Gandapur argued that the construction of the Kalabagh Dam was necessary “for the sake of the future generation” but emphasized that the reservations of all stakeholders, including provinces, must be addressed before moving forward. Doubling down on Tuesday, he called the dam’s delay a product of political maneuvering, asserting, “Not building the Kalabagh Dam is unfair to the country and to our children’s future.” He argued that the project would benefit not only Punjab but also Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), urging all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve lingering concerns.
The Kalabagh Dam, proposed decades ago to be built on the Indus River, has long been a lightning rod for controversy. Proponents see it as a solution to Pakistan’s chronic water shortages and flooding, while critics, particularly in Sindh, KP, and Balochistan, argue it would disproportionately harm their provinces by reducing water flows downstream and exacerbating environmental and economic challenges. Resolutions opposing the dam were passed by the assemblies of Sindh, KP, and Balochistan in the late 1990s, reflecting widespread regional opposition.
Gandapur’s comments drew swift condemnation from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which has historically opposed the project. PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro dismissed the chief minister’s stance, noting that opposition to the dam transcends party lines. “This is not just about the PPP, but the entire province,” Khuhro said. “Maybe Ali Amin sahib is unaware of this history or maybe he was not [active] in politics back then.” He underscored the cultural and economic significance of the Indus River to Sindh, describing its waters as the province’s “lifeblood” and warning that any mention of Kalabagh “elicits negation.”
Khuhro also questioned why the PTI-led government in KP had not prioritized the completion of other major water projects, such as the Bhasha Dam, during its tenure. “CM Gandapur should be questioned why the PTI government did not fast-track and complete the Bhasha Dam and other such projects,” he said.
Within Gandapur’s own party, the remarks stirred unease. PTI leader Asad Qaiser sought to distance the party from the chief minister’s position, describing it as a “personal opinion” rather than official policy. In a post on X, Qaiser stated, “We do not believe that there is any need for Kalabagh Dam at this time. At this time, smaller dams can also be built … I think that it is not good to unnecessarily stir up controversial issues.”
Opposition from other parties was equally pointed. The Awami National Party (ANP) and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) rejected Gandapur’s proposal outright. ANP chief Aimal Wali Khan argued that the Kalabagh Dam would not address Pakistan’s recurring flood issues, while JUI-F KP spokesperson Abdul Jalil Jan called the project a “dead horse.” Jan also referenced Gandapur’s earlier pledge to build 350 smaller dams, questioning why the chief minister was now focusing on a divisive megaproject.
Amid the backlash, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan offered a rare voice of support for Gandapur’s proposal, framing the construction of Kalabagh and other dams as a national imperative. Speaking on Tuesday, Khan emphasized the need for consensus among all provinces, stating, “All four provincial assemblies and chief ministers must jointly find a solution to this pressing national issue.” He highlighted the dam’s potential to mitigate water shortages and prevent economic losses from flooding, noting that “new dams would help to save trillions of rupees worth of water from going to waste.”
Khan also pointed to the broader context of climate change, which he said has exacerbated flooding across Pakistan. Recent torrential rains in Gilgit-Baltistan, KP, and Punjab have caused significant loss of life and property, underscoring the urgency of water management solutions. “Floods are no longer the issue of a single province; it has become a challenge for the entire country,” he said.
The minister advocated for the immediate construction of smaller dams across all four provinces, arguing that a fragmented approach would not suffice. “The construction of small dams requires a collective national effort and a comprehensive policy framework at the national level,” Khan said, calling for urgent action to address Pakistan’s growing water and climate challenges.
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