LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday ordered the federal government to construct the Kalabagh dam, DawnNews reported.

The order was issued by LHC Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial during today’s hearing of petitions calling for the construction of the dam.

The court directed the government in light of the decisions of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to construct the dam and fulfill its responsibilities under Article 154 of the Constitution.

During today's hearing, the petitioners had told the court that in a CCI meeting held in 1991, it was established that the Kalabagh dam was a suitable project.

Earlier, the petitioners had submitted that non-construction of the dam would render the country’s agricultural land barren. They had stated that the project was in the interest of all provinces and objections were of a technical nature, which could be removed.

The petitioners had said the technical committee on water resources on April 11, 2005 had given green signal for the dam’s construction. They had moreover submitted that the court should issue a clear-cut directive for the completion of the project.

They had further stated that in June 1985 and July 1989 the planning and development division had decided to construct the dam. The counsels’ had also said that in 2004 the LHC had ordered for taking measures for the dam’s construction.

Reaction(s)

Responding to the order, Awami National Party's Zahid Khan requested the Supreme Court to take a suo motu notice on the ruling.

Khan alleged that the ruling was divisive and an attempt to create rifts in the country and among the people.