Kalabagh Dam Buried Forever, Not Even Ali Amin's Seven Generations Can Revive It: ANP Chief

Awami National Party (ANP) President Muhammad Wali Khan has strongly rejected the revival of the Kalabagh Dam project, declaring that even“seven generations of Ali Amin Gandapur cannot bring it back to life.” He said the opposition to the dam is not based on emotions but on WAPDA's own statistics.

In his statement, Wali said,“Instead of misleading the nation with false promises, the government should move towards permanent water solutions. If the government lacks a plan, ANP is ready to provide a transparent and practical one. Give us control over resources, and we will first make the southern districts green without drowning anyone's lands. If demanding control over resources is considered treason, then we accept this 'treason' a hundred times.”

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He added that even a dictator like Pervez Musharraf could not build Kalabagh Dam, and the recent debate is a false narrative to divert public attention.“Kalabagh has already been buried by the nation. No one's father has the power to revive this corpse. The dam is not a solution for flood prevention. If a dam is to be built, build Bhasha Dam instead. Kalabagh Dam is merely an irrigation scheme for the Punjab elite; it can neither provide cheap electricity nor stop floods.”

Wali pointed out that in 1998, Kalabagh Dam's estimated cost was $7 billion, while Bhasha Dam's cost was only $1.5 billion.“Kalabagh can produce 3,000 megawatts of electricity, whereas Bhasha can generate 5,000 megawatts. Gandapur is reviving a buried corpse like Kalabagh to cover up his corruption,” he said, adding,“Kalabagh Dam can only be built over our dead bodies. We know who wants Kalabagh Dam. Our ancestors have already taught us the lesson of a 'green Cholistan.'”

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