OUT of sheer animosity, India never misses any opportunity to kick up dust on important developmental projects of Pakistan. In the case of construction of Diamer Basha dam, it has once again resorted to false and baseless assertions against the project by claiming Gilgit Baltistan part of India, which in fact has nothing to do with reality, as Kashmir is a disputed territory resolution of which is lingering because of Indian intransigence.
Proving once again a trusted friend of Pakistan, China, with whose cooperation the dam project will be executed, also rejected India’s objections saying Diamer Basha dam is a mutually beneficial project for the two all-weather friends and strategic cooperative partners. This statement of Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Zhao Lijian, clearly underscores strong bonds and everlasting relationship that exist between the two nations. Lijian remarks actually reminded the Indian side about this strong and enduring relationship. It was because of Indian propaganda campaign that world financial institutions such as World Bank and Asian Development Bank refused to lend money for this dam project. The Indian aim is to make Pakistan a water scarce and barren country. This is the reason that it has also started a water aggression against Pakistan by building dams on eastern rivers in complete disregard of Indus Water Treaty.
The commitment shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan to address the issue of water shortages in the country, we are confident that construction work on Diamer Basha dam will be started immediately while putting in place sufficient security for the project and workforce to be deployed to foil any nefarious enemy designs. It must be our utmost endeavour to complete this project ahead of the given time frame in order to reap its benefits at the earliest for agriculture and power sectors. Undoubtedly Diamer Basha will be one of the largest dams in the world after completion and another shining symbol and example of Pak-China friendship. It is also for the world to stop India from its water aggression, otherwise consequences could be dangerous for peace and security of the whole region and world at large.
