CHALAS: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Tuesday terming the
Diamir-Bhasha Dam project a “life-line” for the national economy said
that certain politicians misled the public in the name of Kalabagh Dam.
He expressed these views while addressing the foundation
stone-laying ceremony of the world’s highest concrete dam on River Indus
that would generate 19 billion units of electricity annually and
enhance life of Tarbela Dam by over 35 years.
The event was
attended by Minister for Defence Ch. Ahmed Mukhtar, Governor Gilgit
Baltistan Pir Karam Ali Shah, Chief Minister GB Mehdi Shah, President
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Mohammad Yaqoob Ahmed Khan, Minister for
Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Manzoor Ahmed Wattoo, Minister for
Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister for Water and Power Syed
Naveed Qamar, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Barrister Masood Kauser and
Chief Minister Amir Haider Khan Hoti
Prime Minister Gilani
termed it a historic day and appreciated the people of Pakistan,
Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and their political leadership
for standing united to initiate the mega project. He said that by making
GB self sufficient the Kashmir cause would not suffer
He said
the gigantic project would generate 4500 MW electricity and store over 8
Million Acre Feet of water to meet country’s growing power and
irrigation needs, and was the outcome of consensus amongst all
stakeholders.
He said taking clue from the fate of the Kalabagh
Dam that fell victim to some politicians who kept on playing to the
gallery, he decided to take all stakeholders on board.
Gilani
said the dam was the outcome of the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali
Bhutto and recalled that in 1974-75 Northern Areas Framework Ordinance
was promulgated and all agencies were given the status of Districts.
Prime
Minister Gilani stressed consistency in national politics to ensure
continuity of policies and said it helps develop faith of the people in
their elected representatives.
Gilani said he and his government
had no interest in “clinging to the power” because the public service
could be done by being either at treasury and opposition benches.
He
said he had directed that all the projects initiated during his
government, must be completed, along with the work on ongoing projects.
He said the multitude of problems that the country was facing
could not be resolved by a single leader, or any particular party.
He
said all the political leadership and parties needed to stand united
and work for the progress and prosperity of the country.
Gilani said the coalition government during the last around four years, has made unprecedented achievements.
Gilani
said those wishing to weaken the government would not succeed and the
people of country would elect their leaders on merit.
On the
occasion PM Gilani also announced Rs 200 million for District Diamir,
setting up of Engineering faculty at the KKH University, that would be
later upgraded to a separate engineering university. He directed setting
up of a Cadet College at Chillas He announced an additional amount of
Rs one billion to the Government of GB for KKH and other roads besides
the already allocated amount of Rs 11.5 billion. Online
