LHC orders govt to build Kalabagh dam
ISLAMABAD, Nov 29: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday ordered the federal government to construct the controversial Kalabagh dam.
The order was issued by LHC Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial during the hearing of petitions calling for the construction of the dam. The court directed the government in light of the decisions of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in 1991 to construct the dam and fulfil its responsibilities under Article 154 of the constitution. During Thursday’s hearing, the petitioners had told the court that in a CCI meeting held in 1991, it was established that the Kalabagh dam was a suitable project and its non-construction would render the country’s agricultural land barren.
The LHC order evoked strong protest from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Awami National Party (ANP) who described it as an attempt to divide the federation. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon and ANP leader Zahid Khan vowed to resist any attempt to construct the dam.]]>
The recent Sindh assembly session had also raised the issue of controversial Kala Bagh dam project. After a long debate it was concluded that this project poses threats to national unity and four resolutions were passed against the construction of this dam. Political parties condemned the decision of federal government and other political parties who were in favour of this project in past.