PESHAWAR: Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, the Information Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government, emphasized on Friday that the interests of smaller provinces must be safeguarded, particularly in relation to canal projects.
In a statement, Saif clarified that the Chashma Right Bank Lift Canal project in KP should not be tied to new canal initiatives currently being discussed in the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
He pointed out that the Chashma Right Bank Canal (Lift-cum-Gravity Project) had received approval from the CCI back in 1991, and as per this decision, similar canals were developed in the other three provinces, but the project in KP remains stalled.
Saif underscored that the provincial government had already committed 35% of the funding for the project, but its implementation had yet to materialize. He expressed strong opposition to any efforts to create controversy over the Chashma Right Bank Canal in light of the ongoing dispute regarding new canal projects.
“The successful completion of this project is crucial as it will transform millions of acres of barren land in the southern districts of KP into productive farmland,” Saif added, highlighting the potential economic benefits for the province.
The adviser reiterated that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s rightful interests should not be sidelined and called for continued support for the Chashma project to ensure the region’s agricultural and economic development.
