Lahore – Former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has emphasized the importance of national consensus on large-scale development projects, suggesting that the Bhasha Dam should only move forward with the trust and involvement of all provinces.
“No national project should be undertaken without the confidence of all four brothers (provinces),” said Ashraf while speaking to the media in Lahore after offering condolences to PPP Punjab Deputy Secretary Usman Malik on his mother’s passing.
Ashraf, who currently serves as President of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Central Punjab, warned that a lack of provincial consultation has previously derailed major initiatives, citing the example of the Kalabagh Dam. “Even dictators couldn’t complete it in 50 years because no one took provinces into confidence. It only led to division,” he noted.
According to NNI, the former PM stated that if the Bhasha Dam is a viable alternative, there is no reason to object. “It should be completed. We are people who believe in keeping the federation united,” he asserted.
He further highlighted the need for careful planning on canal-related projects and stressed that the PPP, currently in alliance with the PML-N at the federal level, continues to hold constructive dialogue on major national issues.
Present during the media talk were other PPP leaders including Central Punjab General Secretary Syed Hassan Murtaza, Chaudhry Aslam Gill, Ahsan Rizvi, Dr. Mubashir, and Agha Taqi.
