Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CM Ali Amin Gandapur Supports Kalabagh Dam, Urges Consensus for National Interest

Peshawar:The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Gandapur, has reiterated his strong support for the construction of the controversial Kalabagh Dam, emphasizing that the project is in the national interest. He stated that if the concerns of Sindh and Balochistan are addressed, consensus on this vital national project could be achieved.

In a meeting with a delegation from the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), the Chief Minister remarked, “Kalabagh Dam is a project that can not only resolve the energy crisis but also bring revolutionary improvements to agricultural development.” He further added that the reservations of Sindh and Balochistan should be taken into account, and if that is done, getting the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to pass a resolution in favor of the dam would not be difficult.

Gandapur also pointed out that the only opposition to the dam in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa comes from the Awami National Party (ANP), a party with minimal representation in the provincial assembly.

**Press Freedom and Peka Act: A Strong Stand**

In addition to his views on Kalabagh Dam, the Chief Minister also addressed the issue of media freedom. He strongly affirmed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s commitment to upholding freedom of expression and stated that any law attempting to stifle the media would not be accepted. Criticizing the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), he labeled it an “attack on media freedom” and stated that no action would be taken under the law in the province.

“We have already rejected the PECA Act, and no FIR has been registered under this law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” Gandapur clarified.

**Criticism of Punjab’s Freedom of Expression Law**

The Chief Minister also voiced criticism of Punjab’s recent “Public Awareness Act,” describing it as a violation of Islamic values and fundamental human rights. He questioned, “If we can question the Khalifa, why should we be restricted from questioning public representatives?”

Gandapur emphasized that the media has the right to ask questions and offer criticism. “We welcome constructive criticism, and in light of it, we will work to improve. Any allegations made will be left to Allah; no action will be taken against anyone,” he affirmed.

The Chief Minister concluded by reiterating his commitment to ensuring that freedom of the press remains safeguarded in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no matter the circumstances.