Musharraf Reiterates: Creation of Dams Must for Progress, Prosperity
By Farrukh Mehmood Khattak - Pakistan Times Staff Reporter

NOWSHERA: President General Pervez Musharraf Wednesday said the construction of large water reservoirs is imperative for the country's fast-paced development and urged the people to view the matter objectively and futuristically while formulating their judgment.

Addressing a large public meeting, the President said the issue of the construction of dams has been politicized by the vested interest in NWFP and Sindh.

People should not heed to their unfounded propaganda as the country direly needs both Bhasha and Kalabagh dams in the next 25 years, he said.

The President said the facts speak otherwise. The people of NWFP will gain tremendously from the construction of the Kalabagh Dam as it will impart impetus to the economic activity through inexpensive hydropower generation and boost agricultural growth.

Firm Assurance

President Musharraf held out his firm assurance to the people that the Government would protect their interests while taking a decision on building water reservoirs.

"Have complete trust in me; I shall never go against your aspirations. I shall always keep your prosperity ahead of other considerations.

"Now it is up to you to decide about construction of reservoirs objectively, honestly and in keeping with ground realities," he said in his hour-long address to the gathering, wheare thousands of people carrying placards, expressed support for the President's policies.

The gathering also included a large number of women, belonging to Nowshera and surrounding areas.

Utility of Dams

Emphasizing the utility of two dams, the President said the Bhasha dam will utilize about 50 million acre feet of water while the Kalabagh Dam will make use of
90 million acre feet of water.

Presently, he pointed out, NWFP is not able to receive its full share of water under the distribution system as it does not have enough reservoirs. The construction of Kalabagh, he said, would bring the province 300,000 acre feet of water.

Call to People

In his wide-ranging address, the President also asked the people to reject forces of extremism and support moderate and enlightened leadership to ensure Pakistan's sustained socio-economic development.

He asked them to be politically pro-active in stopping extremist tendencies like fanning of hatred through misuse of some of the Madaris. "We must have peace and harmony as it is essential for development and prosperity."

The President informed the people about Pakistan's geo-strategic importance and said the Government has constructed Gwadar port and put in place infrastructure to make use of the country's location for trade with Central Asia, Western China and South Asia.

Reconstruction of Afghanistan

Pakistan, he said, is actively taking part in reconstruction of Afghanistan and President Karzai has thanked him for the assistance Islamabad extended to the war-ravaged country.

He said Pakistan now has an important place in the comity of nations and is playing a leading role in taking the Ummah forward.

"Extremism and terrorism will push us backward, therefore, we will have to reject this scourge and reject those forces who through their actions tarnish the image of the great religion of Islam, which calls for moderation and tolerance," he said.

Of Waziristan

President Musharraf said the Government took action against foreign terrorists hiding in South Waziristan as masterminds of bomb blasts and other terrorist incidents were operating from there.

The President said the Government adopted both political and military channels to stamp out terrorism in the tribal agency but the foreign terrorists refused to surrender their arms.

He praised the Pakhtuns as brave and courageous people who contributed significantly to the creation of Pakistan. He said NWFP is the land of great Sufis Khushal Khan Khatak and Hazrat Kaka Sahib, who preached real values of Islam including peace, tolerance and love for all. "We must seek guidance from their teachings and understand the real spirit of Islam."

President Musharraf also called for forging unity and harmony. He spoke about his old association with the area and said he spent three years here during his service.

The President said Pakistan Army is a national institution, having great respect among people as it has representation from all provinces.

Gas to Kheshki

On the occasion, the President announced amid loud cheers the provision of natural gas to Kheshki and construction of a new stadium and establishment of a federal government college in Nowshera.

He also pledged that the Government would examine the demand of local people vis-à-vis compensation for land. He said funds will be allocated for a proper drainage system in the area.

Governor NWFP

Governor NWFP Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah paid tributes to President Musharraf for the country's economic turnaround.

Interior Minister

Interior Minister and President PPP, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao said President Musharraf's policies have brought the country a new elevated status in the comity of nations.

He said the people of NWFP hold the President in high esteem and support his policies as these are in the interest of the country.

Speaks to Media

And during a brief chat with mediamen, the President said that he has put the facts before the people about the construction of large reservoirs and it is now up to them to decide objectively.

He said that it is not that he has announced the construction of a dam. "I have only put the facts about two dams before the people, and now they have to view it," he said.

The President said natural gas will also be supplied to villages around Nowshera.●