A fresh debate has emerged in Pakistan over the controversial Kalabagh Dam project after Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur voiced strong support for its construction.
Speaking to reporters, Gandapur stated that the dam should be built for the sake of future generations and national interest, emphasizing that provincialism should not come at the expense of Pakistan’s development. He maintained that delaying the project for political reasons was a serious injustice to the country. However, his remarks quickly triggered a split within his own party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Party Chairman Barrister Gohar supported the idea, saying that dams—both big and small, including Kalabagh—should be built with the consensus of all provinces.
Divisions Within PTI and Opposition
On the other hand, senior PTI leader Asad Qaiser dismissed Gandapur’s statement as a personal opinion, clarifying that it was not the party’s official policy. He argued that there was no current need for the Kalabagh Dam and that smaller dams could be prioritized instead, cautioning against reopening such controversial issues.
The comments drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders. Pakistan Peoples Party Sindh President Nisar Khuhro pointed out that three provincial assemblies—Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—had already passed resolutions against the project. He accused Gandapur of ignoring political history and urged him to be more thoughtful before making such statements. Awami National Party chief Aimal Wali Khan also lashed out, declaring that the Kalabagh Dam could only be built “over their dead bodies.” He alleged that the renewed discussion was an attempt to divert attention from corruption scandals, adding that their opposition was based on WAPDA’s own technical assessments, not just emotion.
The Kalabagh Dam has long been one of Pakistan’s most divisive water projects, repeatedly causing political rifts between the provinces.
