HYDERABAD, May 27: Leaders of public opinion have hailed the government decision to shelve Kalabagh dam project.

Awami Tehrik Chief Rasool Bux Palijo welcoming the decision said mere announcement was not enough as it had no worth without the approval of National Assembly.

The smaller provinces for last 60 years were deprived of their genuine and legal rights and now was the time to restore economic, political and social rights of people, he told a gathering at his residence. He demanded the closure of Chashma-Jehlum, Taunsa-Panjnad and Thal canals.

He said if present rulers believed in an undiluted democracy they should work on restoration of sacked judges of superior judiciary.

Sindh Taraqi Passand Party Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi termed the decision to shelve dam project as timely and said that it was a victory for the parties affiliated with the Kalabagh Dam Action Committee, intellectuals, poets and technocrats.

He thanked Seraiki and Baloch people for supporting the struggle of Sindhis and Pakhtoons against the Kalabagh dam. He stressed the need for closing the Chashma-Jehlum, Taunsa-Panjnad and Thal canal.

Speaking at a news conference in Tandojam, a leader of PPP Khan Mohammad Sehto said the PPP was a democratic party and its decision to shelve the Kalabagh dam was a true reflection of the aspirations of people.

He said the PPP co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari had strengthened Pakistan. He said previous rulers had divided the provinces by raising the bogie of Kalabagh dam.