LAHORE, Dec 28: The ruling PML is facing opposition within the party on the Kalabagh dam issue and is unlikely to table a resolution in parliament fearing defeat.

There are many PML senators and MNAs, who had voted against the project as MPAs in the past.

The party is divided even in its citadel —- Punjab —- as more and more MPs from the province are of the view that execution of the project in the present political atmosphere will be a blow to the federation, said party officials requesting anonymity.

The “high command” went a step further by directing withdrawal of a resolution in support of the dam that was to be taken up by the Punjab executive council of the party in its meeting held on Dec 16-18 which was also attended by the chief minister, the officials said.

The same forum had adopted the resolution in its last meeting held in September 2004.

The high-ups showed their displeasure when the PML Lawyers’ Wing adopted such a resolution at a meeting in the city last week, fearing such a step would add to the animosity against Punjab, they said.

The officials said that there was also apprehensions among the MPs that the political imbroglio in the wake of Kalabagh dam could be used by the powers-that-be to wrap up the assemblies.

These people argued that Gen Musharraf’s statement in Karachi that Punjab would topple the ruler who would oppose the water reservoir was meant to amplify misunderstandings against the province for creating the situation needed to dissolve the legislatures.

And why did the government choose to launch an army operation in Kohlu at a time when announcement for work on the dam was to be made? they questioned.