Construction of Kalabagh Dam not possible without consensus: PM

ASSOCIATED PRESS SERVICE

MIANWALI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday said the construction of Kalabagh Dam will not be possible without reaching a consensus among all the four provinces.He, however, added that the government will start construction of small dams and take immediate measure to overcome the energy shortage in the country.
The Prime Minister was talking to the newsmen here after addressing the local elders of Mianwali at a lunch hosted by Member National Assembly Malik Ammad Khan. Minister for Education Ahsan Iqbal was also present.
Prime Minister Gilani said after the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto government not a single megawatt of electricity was added in the country’s power production.
He said the present government will formulate power policy, keeping in view the country’s 10 to 20 years electricity requirements.
Earlier while addressing the local elders at the lunch, the Prime Minister announced the provision of sui gas and the repair of railway bridge in Kalabagh.
He said the government will encourage the setting up of industrial units in the area to provide increased job opportunities to the unemployed youth.
The Prime Minister said the success of democratic forces in the recent general elections will promote and strengthen democracy.
He said the coalition government of PPP, PML(N), ANP and JUI was fully aware of the problems and difficulties faced by masses and will take every step to tackle these problems.