Khawaja Asif says collecting funds for dams 'commendable', urges to implement water policy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Khawaja Asif on Tuesday urged the federal government to implement the National Water Policy agreed upon by all the four provinces’ during the PML-N era, ARY News reported.

In his speech during the National Assembly session, the former minister maintained that the opposition has no qualms over building new water reservoirs but instead of touching the controversial issue of Kalabagh dam, the government should implement the National Water Policy.

“It (NWP) is a historical document, a sacrosanct document as it was approved unanimously by representatives of all four provinces,” said Asif.

https://arynews.tv/en/cci-consensus-adopt-national-water-policy/

He reminded the government that the document was consented upon by representatives of four provinces and then PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi so its implementation will be vital to resolve all water-related issues.

About the construction of dams like Mohmand and Bhasha, he made it clear that neither his party nor any other party from the opposition, has opposed building these water reservoirs.

“Collecting funds for dams is commendable as it would raise awareness among general public about the gravity of the crisis and make them a part of solution,” said Asif.

It is pertinent to note here that back in April, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) approved National Water Policy (NWC) in the 37th meeting of the inter-provincial body.

The meeting was presided over by then PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Later, the PM along with four then chief ministers, Shahbaz Sharif, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Pervez Khattak and Abdul Quddus Bizenjo signed the “Pakistan Water Charter” pledging commitment to the National Water Policy.