Bodies’ reports on dams to be made public, says PM
—Decision to be taken after consensus

From Zeeshan Mirza

KARACHI—Prime Minister, Shaukat Aziz, said here Saturday that the need for water reservoirs cannot be overemphasized for the progress and development of agriculture sector which encompasses two-third of the country’s overall economy.
“The agriculture sector will progress only when abundant water resources are available in the country to cater to the growing water requirements of this sector,” he said talking to media after his meeting with Pir Pagara at Kingri House. The Premier said construction of water reservoirs also came under discussion during meeting with Pir Pagara who told him that whatever is in the country’s interest must be undertaken.
Emphasising that every province and growers should get their due share of water, the Prime Minister said everyone would be taken along for construction of water reservoirs which will bring great progress in the country in future. Presently, he said, huge quantity of water is lost when it flows into the sea and not saved for our needs. When asked about Kalabagh Dam, Shaukat Aziz said the construction of water reservoirs in general, was discussed with Pir Pagara who expressed his support to the Government.
He said Pir Pagara suggested a debate on the issue of construction of new dams and appreciated the Government’s decision to make public the reports of Parliamentary and Technical committees as well as report on the study of water downstream Kotri. Shaukat Aziz said highlights of these reports would also be published in Urdu, Sindhi and English languages. He said decision on construction of new dams will be taken after taking the people into confidence.The Government, at present, is focusing on constructing water reservoirs to meet the country’s growing water requirement over the next 20-25 years. The chief of Pakistan Muslim League (Functional) and Spiritual Leader of Hur`s, Pir Pagara has said that construction of all mega water reservoirs including Kalabagh Dam is need of the hour and this matter cannot be over looked. While talking to his party workers including District Nazims, Taulka Nazims and Town Nazims at his residence on Friday he said that the Government will have to take this decision at every cost keeping in view the requirements of the country and in the national intrest.
He said the KB dam issue should not be politicized. Pir Pagara stressed that reservations of a group of MNAs be removed with the spirit of reconciliation and accomodation. Besides, Advocate Raana Shah,President PML(F) Lawyers Forum khairpur, Advocate Jamil Khan Nawaz, Bibi Irshad Jillani, Advocate Nisar Ahmed Bhunbhro were aslo present on the occassion.