PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Information Adviser Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said on Friday that there is dire need to protect the interests of smaller provinces and be given special consideration when it comes to canal-related matters.
In a statement, Saif said that the Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal project in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should not be linked with new canal projects in the Council of Common Interests (CCI), adding that approval for the Chashma Right Bank Canal (Lift-cum-Gravity Project) was given by the CCI in 1991.
He further stated that, in light of the CCI’s decision, canals were constructed in the other three provinces, but implementation of the project in KP has not yet materialised. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also assured 35% funding for the project.
The provincial adviser added that any attempt to make the Chashma Right Bank Canal project controversial in the new canal dispute would be strongly opposed.
“This project will help bring millions of acres of barren land in the southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa under cultivation,” he added.
