WE lost half of our country [because] we did not accept the majority of East Pakistanis and they, as a protest, created a new country and a new identity. It is a tragedy that excesses with the remaining [nationalities] continue. …In the wake of such threats there is little room to bring forward contentious issues, that too through court. …We have a democratic dispensation and though it is weak, it is continuing and the elected government is about to complete its tenure. Some forces do not see eye-to-eye with the democratic process.

…What to talk of consensus when three provinces and their assemblies more than once have passed resolutions and rejected [the Kalabagh dam project]. This fact should be realised. The judiciary is not supposed to intervene in the issues which are to be settled by politicians…. This would further complicate the issues…. This would deepen differences between the provinces. As the court decision has come when preparations for general elections have been started … it has put people as well as politicians in a quandary.

With the construction of the dam the provinces would be deprived of their share of water. Sindh would be a big loser. Irrigation experts have already expressed their reservations that Sindh would be turned barren after the construction of this dam. Due to these apprehensions … strong protests … have been witnessed in Sindh…. Thousands of Sindhis led by the late Benazir Bhutto observed a sit-in at Kamoon Shaheed. Later, the Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies through their unanimous resolutions opposed [the Kalabagh dam]. Hence this was declared a dead horse and buried. Now once again this issue has been brought up.

The representatives and people of three provinces have once again rejected this controversial project…. It would be unconstitutional to build this dam. …People of three provinces are on one side while only one province is on the other side…. It would be appropriate if decisions are taken keeping in view the constitution and the law as well as aspirations of the people. — (Dec 3)

Selected and translated by Sohail Sangi.