Gandapur Supports Kalabagh Dam, Qaiser Disagrees

Islamabad – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Asad Qaiser has described Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Ali Amin Gandapur’s remarks about the Kalabagh Dam as personal, not reflective of party policy. In a statement, Qaiser said, “We do not believe there is a need for the Kalabagh Dam at this time.”

He added that smaller, decentralized dams could meet water needs more effectively. Qaiser pointed out that there is already an ongoing project—the Chashma Right Bank Canal—in Gandapur’s constituency, which should adequately address local water requirements.

The senior PTI leader also emphasized that “reviving controversial issues unnecessarily is not advisable.”

Speaking at the KP House in Islamabad, Chief Minister Gandapur had supported the dam, saying, “Kalabagh Dam would supply water to Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” He acknowledged that there are objections from Sindh and urged dialogue, saying, “Let’s sit down and talk. Kalabagh Dam is needed for the country, but politics has stalled the project. Not building such a dam is an injustice to the country and future generations.”

In a statement made previously, Gandapur stressed, “This project should be completed for the benefit of our children, future generations, and Pakistan. I cannot let narrow provincial sentiments harm the country.” He urged stakeholders to resolve differences and move forward on the dam’s construction.