PESHAWAR, Nov 4: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information Mian Iftikhar Hussain clarified on Sunday the issue of Kalabagh dam had been buried forever after majority of the provinces had opposed its construction.

He said if any institution or political force tried to revive the issue it would be tantamount to hurting the national unity and integration, he warned while talking to media men at the residence of Higher Education Minister Qazi Asad in Haripur district. He said, ‘we highly respect the judiciary but if it takes up the Kalabagh dam issue it might harm the national unity and integration.

The minister said ANP had kept its doors open for an electoral alliance with political parties but added that any decision or speculation at this stage would be premature. He said Hazara province movement had unmasked the faces of those who changed political loyalties. He said this would greatly help people of Hazara in electing sincere and honest representatives during upcoming elections. He said ANP had no objection if people of Hazara adopted constitutional and legal means for new province.

However, he said it was better that Hazara remained part of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Mr Iftikhar urged people to give their vote to those candidates, who had an ideology, principles and spirit to give sacrifice for people and the country, and reject the political parties that after being elected changed their political loyalties and joined hands with anti-state elements.

The minister said people were against militants due to their coward attacks on mosques, funerals and public places.

He said improvement in law and order was vital for generating employment and bolstering economy. The government is working hard to eradicate terrorism and lawlessness and create job opportunities for youth.—APP