Kalabagh Dam: Essential for national prosperity
Kalid Khokhar

KALABAGH DAM has been consistently haunting the national integration and cohesion during the last 12 years. A multi-faceted programme, which Pakistan needs badly to fulfill the growing demands of agriculture sector coupled with the production of relatively cheaper hydel power, has been a source of simmering subject between the so-called nationalist politicians of NWFP/Sindh and the Federal Government. Essentially a technical issue falling in the purview of the professional engineers and technocrats, has been given parochial complexion by few narrow-minded politicians whose politics was becoming unpopular, are now playing tactics against the construction of dams. It is also noticed that these elements neither had done any thing for the betterment of the masses when they were in power nor they had any will to solve the problems confronted by the inhabitants of the provinces.
President Pervez Musharraf, once said “there comes a time when we have to sacrifice personal gains for the sake of the country, and we must always keep in mind that Pakistan comes first”. This he said in reference to the construction of two controversial dams, which Pakistan requires to be constructed on ‘priority basis’. Feasibility of two dams, including the Bhasha dam and the Kalabagh dam, is complete and now a decision has to be taken to build at least one of them. If appropriate decision regarding the construction of Dam is not taken expeditiously, then there would be approximately 25% shortfall in food grain requirements in coming years and Pakistan would be one of the major food deficit countries in the world. Sustainability of existing irrigated agriculture is in serious jeopardy due to gradual sediment in the existing resources at Tarbela and Mangla.
A parliamentary committee and a technical committee are working to prepare report on the issue, and it is hoped that the stakeholders would soon reach a conclusion in the light of recommendations of these committees. “One dam is necessary to meet the acute water shortage”, Musharraf said, adding, however, the country would also be in need of another dam, later. He stressed that all the decisions would be taken after evolving a consensus among the provinces. President Musharraf urged the people of the provinces to take decision while keeping in view the “Pakistan comes first” consideration. The President ensured that rights of all the provinces will be protected and they will be benefited through the dam projects. Pakistan’s potential of bringing several million acres of virgin land under irrigation is marred by insufficient control over floodwater of the rivers as floods are detrimental, not only in financial terms, but also in the form of severe undermining of productive system.
Kalabagh Dam project has witness many upheavals during the last 12 years and every successive government has to confront the stubborn and antagonistic attitude of Awami National Party (ANP) – a regional party unwittingly opposed to the construction of Kalabagh dam. The Awami National Party has aired bitter criticism on Gen Pervez Musharraf’s recent persuasive statements regarding the Kalabagh Dam. Ever since their devastating defeat at the hands of MMA zealots in 2002, ANP has re-invigorated their anti-Kalabagh stance as a ‘face saving device’ to compensate some of their political setback. ANP has constituted an anti-Kalabagh Dam Committee last year, to counter the pro-Dam forces. In order to fulfill their designs, ANP has chalked out a two-pronged strategy: at provincial level, ANP will mobilize public opinion within the NWFP vis-à-vis mass contact campaign, and at the national scenario, the committee will woo nationalists of Sindh and Balochistan to remain united on the anti-Kalabagh plateform. ANP agenda intends to arrange seminars and public congregations with the support of other like-minded politicians from other provinces so as to highlight the “impact of Kalabagh Dam on the smaller provinces”. In the state of desperation, the ANP’s NWFP chief Begum Nasim Wali Khan, has internationalize the issue and appealed to the international donor agencies to preclude funding the Dam. Asfandyar Wali, ever went further to warn the government to make choice between Kalabagh Dam and future of the federation. Nevertheless, few believe that ANP and other like-minded nationalist politicians can lead a serious movement against the construction f Dam. In reality, the movement was limited to few unsuccessful and inconclusive seminars and Kalabagh committee failed to galvanize public opinion in their favour and could not form a united front against the pro-dam forces. Moreover, ANP’s decision to fight Kalabagh Dam issue by its provincial executive committee, has marred the gravity of the issue on national level with parochial implications. Last not the least, ANP’s abandonment of Pakistan Oppressed Nations Movement (PONM) has damaged its nationalist complexion on the national scenario.
Decision as to whether or not to construct Kalabagh Dam, has been in national focus for the last 12 years or so. Experts are unanimous regarding the emergent need to boost the water and power resources of the country and in the their concerted assessment, there is no better site than Kalabagh. Kalabagh Dam Project, if built, with its 3600 MW of installed capacity would add a large share of cheap hydropower to the system and would reduce the severity as well as frequency of floods in Pakistan in a greater way. As part of controversy on Kalabagh Dam, a number of apprehensions/doubts have been expressed both by upper (NWFP) and lower (Sindh) riparian provinces. Most of these are based either on lack of information coupled with the manipulation of nationalist politicians to serve their personal ends. The NWFP fears that devastating floods of 1929 of Peshawar Valley including Nowshera would be repeated and reservoir at Kalabagh would adversely affect the drainages of surrounding areas thus creating waterlogging and salinity, and consequently, fertile land would be submerged and large number of people would be displaced. But the feasibility study report of the experts by no means justifies these apprehensions. The real cause of floods of 1929 at Nowshera and Peshawar Valley was upstream entrance of Kabul river at Nowshera into confined channel at the end of Peshawar valley; and backing effect of Attock Gorge downstream through which Indus river had to pass after its confluence with Kabul river. Before the confluence, Indus River flowed through a wide valley of over 8,000 feet and was then forced to pass through 1000 feet wide gorge for 5 miles. This constriction forced the river water to back up thus raising flood levels in Kabul river up to Nowshera. At maximum conservation level of 915 feet, the backwater effect of Kalabagh Lake would end about 10 miles downstream of Nowshera. A state-of-art computer based study, backed by physical modeling in Pakistan has established that recurrence of record flood of 1929 would not affect the water level at Nowshera even after 100 years of sedimentation in reservoir. Lowest ground levels at Mardan, Pabbi and Swabi areas are 1000 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL) respectively and the maximum conservation level of 915 for Kalabagh would be maintained only for 3 to 4 weeks during September and October after which it would deplete as water is released for Rabi crops and power generation. It would further go down to dead storage level of 825 feet by early June. This operation pattern of reservoir, by no stretch of imagination, could block the drainage and thus cause waterlogging or salinity in these areas. Total cultivable land submerged under the reservoir elevation of 915 feet would be 27,500 acres (24,500 acres in Punjab and 3000 acres in NWFP). The submerged irrigated land would be only 3000 acres (2,900 acres in Punjab and 100 acres in NWFP). And the estimated population to be affected by the project would be 83,000 (48,500 in Punjab and 34,500 in NWFP). A liberal resettlement plan would provide alternate irrigated lands to the affected families with modern facilities of water supply, electricity, roads, dispensaries, school and other civic amenities.
On the other hand, the anti-Kalabagh Dam nationalist politicians of Sindh, have painted a very bleak picture and are trying to propagate that the project would render Sindh into a desert. However, it is not the case as the Kalabagh Dam is meant to store water during flood season and then make it available for the remaining dry period of years. The fear that Kalabagh would further aggravate present extent of seawater intrusion in the Indus delta does not hold true and can be termed as propaganda tactics by the so-called hardliners. According to the Water Appointment Accord (WAA) of 1991, on the average, about 12 MAF additional supplies to the provinces have been allocated (almost all in Kharif season). It is estimated that to provide additional allocated water over the year, storage of about 3.6 MAF would be needed (out of this, 2.2 MAF would be in the early Kharif season of April to July). The experts say, around 35 MAF water goes to waste in sea and this wastage can be reduced to only 5 to 10 MAF by establishing water reservoirs. A member of the constructional firm that has made the proposals of Kalabagh Dam says that according to the contract, no canal will be taken out from the dam and it will only be water reservoir and water will only flow to the low lying areas. In this respect, it will not be against the interests of Sindh. As all are aware, Sindh need water in the beginning of Kharif and in the end of Rabi seasons. If the water flow remains constant during these times the agriculture yield of Sindh will increase in both the seasons. However, Sindh is exhibiting its mistrust towards Punjab and NWFP regarding drawing of a canal from Kalabagh Dam. Any way, if Punjab and Frontier ink a guarantee for it, then Sindh nationalists can be pacified.
Now this requires a comprehensive lobbying by the pro-dam forces to create conducive atmosphere for launching of CBMs amongst all the provinces. All the provinces have great expectations from the President who has realized the grievances of the small provinces. It is also true that since last two years water crisis is prevailing in the country. If there had been any other President the problem might have multiplied. The President Pervez Musharraf has played a vital role in resolving the longstanding issues. If the President wants to build the dam, he can just announce and it is not difficult for him but he has constituted the committee to develop the confidence among the people of Sindh before announcing the construction of dam. The government is planning to include 5 to 8 new ministers and state ministers to achieve consensus on the Kalabagh Dam. It is needless to say that Pakistan is in dire need of efficient water resource development projects, therefore, it is our moral obligation to extend all-out support to 25-year (2000-2025) National Water Resources Development Programme (NWRDP) keeping in forefront our national interest and do not get flustered by handpicked people having personal vendetta against the national integration forces. Hence, Pakistan first is the right approach and Kalabagh is the right alternative.




BLA’s regrouping in European countries
Rasul Buksh Raisani

EVER since the “targeted military operation” against Baloch militants in Pakistan’s strategically important and resource-rich province of Balochistan, many rebel tribesmen of Bugti, Marri and Mengal tribes sought refuge in European countries. Nevertheless, the Government is still facing nefarious activities though at a much lesser scale from Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) – an international terrorist group that is banned by British Government in July 2006. The reason may be that at the most crucial juncture when Baloch militants were on the run, the Europeans allowed “rogue element” to seek shelter in foreign countries on the pretext of “political asylum”. The Baloch militants took full advantage of the so-called liberal policies to regroup and re-organize in the guise of foreign-based organizations of Pakistani origin to commit acts of terrorism inside Pakistan. The west, being the biggest ally in the US-led war on terror, is unwittingly protecting and harbouring such dangerous terrorists wanted in many terrorist acts in Balochistan. Today, the continuation of Baloch militant’s attacks on strategic installation, is a devastating outcome of western’s “human rights” policies. Unless the European nations change stance, the danger to Pakistan will continue to multiply.
BLA - a declared terrorist organization under Anti-Terrorism Act of 1997, claims responsibility for most of the attacks in reaction to the ongoing developmental activities in the province meant to improve the life-style of the common people. The BLA is supported by a handful of tribal chiefs bent on resisting socio-economic development and progress of Balochistan. The tribal chieftains discourage education and progress for the lower segment of their tribes to ensure that common tribesmen don’t become aware of their rights and privileges. These feudal lords use force and cruel methods to control the poor and keep them under their grip. They established 40-50 farari camps (military training centres) in the province to impart sophisticated training in “guerilla warfare”. Following the crackdown in the Marri and Bugti areas since December 2005, the Government succeeded in enforcing the “writ of government” by busting 90% of BLA’s sanctuaries. On the other side, the Government is investing millions of rupees into Balochistan with the aim of turning the province into a regional economic and energy hub. The completion of Gwadar port and other mega projects would create better employment opportunities, reduce poverty and bring prosperity in the province.
The International terrorism, no matter when, by whom, where, and in what form, is a dangerous threat to the world peace. This requires mutual cooperation from all peace-loving countries. Every country should adopt “uniform strategy” in condemning and fighting terrorism resolutely. Until 2005, UK has been denying the fact that the British citizens of Pakistani origin who were born, bred and educated in the UK could do such unspeakable and horrific things. But, it the first time that House of Commons has taken into account how terrorism in Pakistan may affect Britain and its Muslim population. The arrest of Faiz Baloch and Hyrbyair Marri by British Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command from north-west and west London on 4 December 2007, on the charges of “commissioning, preparing or instigating acts of terrorism”, exhibits the seriousness of UK Government in combating terrorism in UK. Consequently, most of the terrorist organizations have closed their offices in UK and now are building their base in Sweden/Norway as the main hub of BLA activities. Mr Afzal Marri is planning to establish FM Radio Station and publishing of the Baloch magazines in UK. Baloch renegade have bought time from 1330 to 1500 hours every Sunday from FM 88.0 MHZ Radio Station Stockholm Sweden. Reportedly, they have started projecting Baloch cause and pressing the idea of Independent Balochistan in Baloch language live programme with the name of “Balochi Radio”. Mr Masood, Zari and Sara are the key members of management of FM 88 who are engaged with the Baloch rebel leaders. They are also negotiating with the management of FM 101.1 MHZ Radio Station in Sweden to enhance coverage of Baloch Radio in Sweden and Norway. The Balochis have sought permission from local police of Sweden for fundraising while visiting shops/public places. Through media campaign, they are also requesting for funds/donation to be used for abetting terrorism in Balochistan. Source further revealed that Baloch term this campaign of fund collection as “Water Project Fund - Balochistan”. Baloch have opened own media centre with the name of “Baltimore Independent Media Centre” P.O Box 13022 Stockholm, Sweden. Mir Azad Khan Baloch, General Secretary of so-called .the Government of Balochistan (in exile) operating from Israel, is trying to organize the Baloch community in UK through his contacts to raise voices/protests against arrest of Hyrbyair Marri/banning BLA. The Great Balochistan National Conference (GBNC) based in Europe has been the sole factor in financing the supply of arms and ammunition to the local groups. There is another organization in United States by the name of the American Friends of Balochistan (AFB) which is generating funds for the rebel tribesmen by highlighting the so-called miseries of Balochis. The UK/EU Organizer of World Sindhi Congress (WSC) Ms. Suraiya Makhdoom, is very active in seeking financial support from the UK-based Balochs and Sindhis. Apart from this, a mushroom of websites advocating the so-called Balochi cause has cropped-up during a very short span of period.
There is a strong need to take appropriate programmes and initiatives to reach out to people/organizations harbouring terrorism. All the foreign-based organizations consisting of nationals of Baloch origins, supporting/funding the renegade Baloch activists should be taken to the task by the counterterrorism authorities of the respective country. All the Balochi websites operating in western countries responsible of fanning anti-Pakistan sentiments are tantamount to inciting people to commit acts of terrorism, therefore, should also be banned. These anti-Pakistan alliances working in foreign countries are distorting the positive and favourable national image at the international level. They can not be allowed to continue with these negative and harmful activities at any cost. In an air strike, the NATO forces in Afghanistan’s Helmand province killed the operational leader of BLA Mir Balach Marri on November 21, 2007, inflicting a severe blow to the command and structure of the outfit. Terrorism can only be beaten when all the peace loving countries mobilize themselves to isolate and defeat its perpetrators. The western democracies have to set aside their soft policy and should be more aggressive to conduct covert operations against masquerade terrorists exploiting the western doctrine on human rights to their benefit. After all the sole objective common to all counterterrorism forces, is the eradication of terrorism from this beautiful planet.




Statesmanship à la Sarkozy
Liu Jiansheng

FRENCH President Nicolas Sarkozy’s first state visit to China was a good start for his presidency. This visit not only signaled that the two countries’ comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a new period of historical development, but also marked a new phase in Sino-French relations. Sarkozy’s fruitful tour has deepened the two countries’ strategic partnership, especially in political and economic fields. Through discussions, China and France understood better about each other. Moreover, China signed bilateral trade agreements with France, worth more than 20 billion euros ($29.7 billion).
Sarkozy and Chinese President Hu Jintao expressed their confidence on future bilateral ties. At a joint press conference after their meeting, they stressed that the two countries would deepen cooperation in various fields based on mutual trust and mutual benefit, thereby enhancing the Sino-French strategic partnership and common understanding. China and France will continue to exchange views frequently on international issues that concern both. China and France have maintained close ties for a long time. France’s policy toward China is one part of France’s independent foreign policy. The French focus on protecting their state interests, while building a world with multiple major powers and pluralistic national cultures. Sarkozy’s long-term strategic goals are to increase France’s trade and economic interests and reinforce the country’s strength during the process of globalization. Without a doubt, French foreign policy will be based on its traditional reliance on the EU and efforts to realize EU unity. It will push forward the development of a multilateral world, while calling for mutual respect and dialogues among different civilizations, so as to play an active but special role in maintaining world peace.
Sarkozy’s foreign policy adjustment, which concerns relationships with big countries, including China, is a comprehensive strategic operation. His diplomatic strategy is very clear—France’s ties with the EU, Africa, the United States and Asia are the four pillars. China has replaced Japan as France’s top focus in Asia, and is an influential element in France’s foreign policy.
The Sino-French partnership is based on a wide common understanding of politics, mutual economic interests and cultures that improve mutual trust. The two countries have the same or similar stances on various international issues. They established a comprehensive partnership in May 1997, and upgraded it to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2004 during Hu’s visit to France. Both countries have committed themselves to pushing forward the world’s multilateral process. They promise to strengthen the multilateral system, maintain collective security and promote solutions for global problems. They also oppose power politics in international relations and the threat and use of military force. They claim to resolve conflicts between countries through dialogue, cooperation and negotiation. They have called for establishing a multilateral trade system and setting up a fair, just and open international trade order, so as to push forward globalization on the basis of fair trade and mutual benefits. In the meantime, the two countries also are concerned about the negative economic and social effects of globalization. They have agreed on multiculturalism under the backdrop of globalization. China and France also signed an agreement on popularizing the French language in China. French, together with Chinese and English, is an official language of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Increasing trade volume China’s economic development is tremendous.

(The Daily Mail-Beijing Review Articles Exchange Item)