EDITORIAL

Is construction of dams not a political issue ?

The Prime Minister's assertion that construction of dams is an economic issue, and not political one, while talking to newsmen after meeting Pir Saheb Pagara at Kingri House, will intrigue many minds. While the economic dimension of having big reservoirs cannot be overlooked, its political connotations are equally pressing and need to be seen in broader perspective. Ever since the insertion of Kalabagh Dam in national strategy of development, it is the political divide that obstructed its construction rather than anything purely economic at the national scale. For politics is essentially an art of taking along all the stake-holders. It would be naive to expect that the purely economic aspect, which is merely a science of achieving an equilibrium of bargain, in which all the parties may not get ultimate benefits, will be enough. These are the limitations of economics and bring into focus the political skill to forge consensus among the parties. Pakistan, being a Federation of four provinces, can hardly remain aloof from the sentiments of the four units while striving to achieve anything even if it is economically beneficial. The issues of Kalabagh Dam and Thal Canal point to this paradox, that they might be beneficial for the country when viewed in purely economic context, but can spur sentiments that can be harmful for the Federation in the long run.
The policy of economic growth, quite oblivious to the sentiments of provinces, was vigorously pursued in Ayub era. There is no denying the fact that the situation improved considerably on economic front; but the losses on the political front were enormous that ultimately resulted in Dhaka fall. There might have been many reasons behind this national tragedy, but the uneven economic growth in the absence of any politcal delivery system caused irreparable damage to the political fabric of the country. This national tragedy simply played havoc with whatever progress was made in the 60s. The bitter lesson was learnt in 1971 but at too exorbitant a price. The tendency of putting the economic house in order without first having the political foundation is quite alarming and goes against the rationale of reverting to the democratic rule. For the assemblies are already plagued with debate on LFO and Presidential Uniform, it will not be a prudent act to go for a project which has been opposed unanimously by three provincial assemblies.
The purpose here is not to go into the economic compulsions of the project, but to bring home a point that even the economically beneficial projects might not be sustainable and, therefore, advisable unless supported by national consensus. Prime Minister Jamali's assertion, which mainly appears to be an extension of the President's speech on this subject a few days ago, is likely to raise alarm in many minds. It is particularly so as the political system of the country remains highly fragile and seems to be incapacitated to such vital decisions. The rationale for having water reservoirs can hardly be overlooked as provision of having ample supply and judicious distribution of water among all provinces is necessary for smooth functioning of the Federation. The consensus for Kalabagh Dam will be an arduous task but will remain essential for the project to be meaningful for national prosperity and cohesion. When the assemblies are in place, the nation would like to see the consensus being developed in the national and provincial assemblies so that the real benefits of the project could reach the whole nation, and that too without any hazardous effects in future. Simply pushing through the decisions in this regard will not help at all.