August 25, 2003	Monday	Jumadi-us-Sani 26

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ISLAMABAD Aug 24: The president has made his position controversial by raising the issue of the construction of Kalabagh dam despite the passing of unanimous resolutions by assemblies of three provinces.

This was stated by president of the Awami National Party president Asfandyar Wali Khan on Sunday.

Urging President Gen Pervez Musharraf to refrain from promoting interests of a particular province at the cost of the smaller ones, he reminded the president that he was supposed to be the symbol of the unity of the federation.

Questioning the rationale behind the president’s move to raise the issue, which he went on to describe as being a dead horse, he said that he did not understand why the president was supporting the idea of the dam’s construction when the NWFP, Sindh and Balochistan had opposed it, adding: “Or does he think Punjab alone is Pakistan?”

He said the issue did not affect the NWFP alone — which was already suffering at the hands of the Centre because of the denial of full payments against power generation royalties — but Sindh and Balochistan had also time and again vehemently opposed its construction.

“Has he (the president) resolved all other issues facing the country and now believes that it was time to tackle a highly controversial issue like that of Kalabagh dam? This will only further divide and weaken the nation,” said Mr Wali.

He also asked the federal minister for water and power Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao to clear his position as, being in-charge of the ministry, he would be called upon to implement the project.

The ANP chief reminded Mr Sherpao the position he had taken in the past both as the chief minister of the NWFP and as provincial opposition leader when the NWFP assembly passed unanimous resolutions against the project.

Mr Asfandyar demanded handing over of the administration and distribution of power generated by units located in the NWFP as Wapda had remained provincial subject till the establishment of one-unit. He said while breaking the one-unit, Wapda headquarters was left in Lahore, which ought to be returned to the provinces.