Giving NRO is like committing treason: PM Imran Khan

MOHMAND: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that the provision of National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) to the corrupt elements will be tantamount to committing treason, ARY News reported.

PM Khan said that such elements were actually seeking another National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). He clarified, “I am saying this again that I will commit treason with my nation if I provide them NRO.” The premier said that he would not provide any relaxation to the corrupt elements at any cost.

PM Khan, while initiating his address to the groundbreaking ceremony of Mohmand Dam, expressed thanks to the former chief justice of Pakistan Justice (retd.) Mian Saqib Nisar. He said, “I’m grateful to ex-CJP Saqib Nisar for his struggle to construct dam.”

He also praised Pakistan army forces for playing a vital role to eliminate terrorism from the tribal belt.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Mohmand Dam was performed by Prime Minister Imran Khan and former chief justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar. The event was also attended by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa and other high-level officials.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Thursday that best opportunities for investments were present after the establishment of peace in tribal areas of Pakistan.

“People don’t invest in war zones, but now all are moving heads towards Pakistan to make investments. Peace was established [in these areas] with the help of tribesmen and Pakistani troops.”

“I am glad that I’ve visited Tirah Vally today. It is a good sign that a prime minister visits Tirah. It is the region which defeated Western invaders,” said PM Khan.

The premier said that the government was well aware of issues being faced by tribesmen, as well as water crisis which he reasoned due to the shortage of dams.

“All bigger dams were constructed in 1960’s era. It was the time of dictatorship but they should be given credit for constructions of dams.”

PM Khan was of the view that the previous governments were failed for lacking futuristic projects which led the other countries of the region to leave behind Pakistan in the development race.

He exampled China for its historical development which did not think of next elections while its leaders had focused on future projects.

“Lack of planning deprived a large part of the country of development except for few areas. You can see the example of development funds allocated for the provincial capital [of Punjab]. An average of Rs70,000 per capita was spent in Lahore which diverted people to head towards Lahore. The rise in population creates a series of issues including water scarcity.”

“China has spent resources on humans besides focusing on public welfare.”

“The State of Medina is the role model for us. China followed the same policies adopted in the Medina state.

PM Khan announced allocation of Rs4 billion funds for the development of Mohmand. He added, “The area which possesses natural resources will be given benefits of it.”

“The government has decided to provide 2G and 3G technologies to the tribal areas besides taking swift steps for education facilities,” the premier said.

“All provinces have decided to decide a part of up to three per cent from NFC [National Finance Commission] Award.”

The premier said that China has assured maximum support to Pakistan during his recent visit.

PM Khan clarified that he would not discuss the topic of election as the present government wanted to show how to serve the nationals.

“We have to complete five million houses’ project at earliest,” he announced.

“China is now gaining a leading position in the technology sector. A floor was constructed within one week through the latest technology in China. A Chinese company equipped with the latest technologies will be opened in Pakistan soon,” he said.

While pointing towards Federal Minister for Water Resources’ speech, PM Khan said that Faisal Vawda has highlighted very less information regarding the dam but his speech was the compilation of words came from his heart.

“True leader is the one who never thinks of his seat. A true leader is the one who takes difficult decision for its nation. We want a uniform law for every citizen and we want the supremacy of law in the country.” he said.

The premier criticised opposition parties, saying, “Opposition creates ruckus in the National Assembly only to divert public attention from the ongoing accountability process. The previous rulers were involved in laundering money to foreign countries.”

He said, “I had presented 50 documents within a year when asked about my property. I could have gained exemption by saying that I am a player. However, I had presented all evidences and the court acquitted me.”

“A country was destroyed by the theft of its top leader but not from a common man. If the leader of the state is a thieve than whole governance system of the country went corrupt.”

PM Khan said that such elements were actually seeking another National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO). He clarified, “I am saying this again that I will commit treason with my nation if I provide them NRO.” The premier said that he would not provide any relaxation to the corrupt elements at any cost.

Mohmand Dam

Mohmand dam is being constructed on Swat River and it will be completed at a cost of over Rs183 bn by 2024. The dam has the capacity of storing 1.2 million acre-feet water. The project was scheduled to be completed in five years and eight months.

Mohmand dam on completion will generate 800-megawatt electricity besides bringing about 17,000 acres barren land under cultivation.

It will also solve the problem of water scarcity in Mohmand besides saving Peshawar, Charsadda and Nowshera districts from floods.

Earlier, the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) on March 26 had awarded long-delayed contract for civil and electro-mechanical works of Mohmand Dam Project to a joint venture comprising the China Gezhouba Group of Companies (CGGC) of China as the lead firm and Descon engineering company of Pakistan as its partner.