PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has reiterated support for the Kalabagh Dam project, calling it essential for the country’s future. He urged that concerns over the project should be resolved through dialogue.
Speaking to the media after a party meeting at KP House in Islamabad, Gandapur said Pakistan continues to face devastating floods and rain-related damage because major dams were not built on time. “People hesitate to even name some dams, but Kalabagh is vital for the state,” he remarked, stressing that all provinces must work together to begin construction.
He added that the KP government is ready to contribute to the project and noted that delays in dam construction have already caused immense losses. Gandapur highlighted that his government has independently completed six small dams last year and is currently building others, including the Jabba Dam in Peshawar. He also pointed to the Gomal Zam Dam as an example of how infrastructure helps reduce flood risks.
The CM further mentioned ongoing protective measures, such as constructing a wall in Budhni to prevent floods and installing nets—similar to those used in Switzerland—to stop rocks from moving with floodwaters.
Commenting on the recent cloudburst in Buner, he clarified that it was a natural event caused by extreme heat and had no link to deforestation. Gandapur concluded by stressing that Pakistan has long neglected disaster preparedness and must now focus on building infrastructure to safeguard lives and property.
