- Imran Khan performs ground breaking of Mohmand Dam
MOHMAND, May 2: 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.
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 has said 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.
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 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. – DNA
