PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has voiced strong support for the construction of the controversial Kalabagh Dam, stating that “we are afraid to even name some dams, but the Kalabagh Dam must be built.”
Speaking informally to journalists, Gandapur said the province is actively working on building more dams to address flood and water management issues. “Floods frequently hit Peshawar from the Khyber side, and we are constructing dams in Swabi and Mardan,” he said.
He also highlighted the environmental challenges in the province, pointing out that areas like Malakand and Hazara face frequent landslides. Referring to a recent cloudburst in Buner, the chief minister explained that such events are caused by shifts in temperature and are not necessarily linked to deforestation. “Where there are no forests, rocks tumble down,” he noted.
Addressing media practices and political criticism, Gandapur emphasized his party’s policy of avoiding publicity campaigns funded by public money. “Public funds should benefit the people, not be spent on promotions. If someone takes a boat ride, it’s all over the media. But if we climb mountains, no one shows it,” he remarked.
On national security and foreign relations, the CM touched on strained ties with Afghanistan. “Due to flawed policies, our neighbor Afghanistan has become hostile. After 40 years, we are finally sending them back. I’ve already halted their entry into my province,” he said. He further questioned the reluctance to grant citizenship to Afghan nationals despite billions in investment from them. “Why don’t we grant them citizenship? The student visa program was initiated on my request,” he added.
Gandapur also offered medical assistance to those injured in the recent earthquake in Afghanistan.
Touching on the province’s security situation, he painted a grim picture: “There isn’t a single sniper rifle in the entire Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police force. No police station or officer has an armored vehicle. We are fighting those who once defeated America,” he said.
He stressed the need for major investment in the police force, citing a shortage of 92 senior officers and calling on the federal government to provide necessary personnel. “I inherited extremists as a gift,” Gandapur concluded.
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