'Pakistanis would even sustain Rs200 per liter petrol'

Dunya News

The minister rebutted what he called propaganda against him over the dams' fund.

MOHMAND (Dunya News) – Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda, addressed the groundbreaking ceremony of the Mohmand Dam, and said that the general public of Pakistan would also sustain a financial burden of Rs200 per liter petrol for the uplift of their homeland, and would tie stones on their bellies [in famine].

He thanked the premier for instilling confidence in him and his team, and criticised previous politicians by stating that schools, hospitals, jobs and dams were not built and created as they were busy in playing politics.

He also expressed his gratitude to the army chief and the Water and Power Development Authority chairman for their contribution in the project.

He outlined that the real threat to the state is from within, and not from powers outside. He stated that he had tried to pursue the Kalabagh Dam project, but was unsuccessful.

The minister rebutted what he called propaganda against him that he had some sort of issue with the dam fund.

“We are working without any fear for the interest of the state,” he said, adding that those who pushed the country towards darkness were advising them on how to run the affairs.

He said through the Ehsas Programme, the government aims to provide employment opportunities to youths.

Regarding accountability of corrupt elements, he maintained that the process would not be halted under any circumstances.

"We have not only started the preliminary works, but for the first time have received a Rs18 billion straight discount," he said, addressing the premier.

"We have created 27,000-28,000 jobs in the Mohmand and Diamer-Bhasha dam projects," Vawda said, adding that "for the first time, a minister (Vawda) will from his own pocket, his friends’ pockets and with the help of Pakistanis announce 200-400 businesses and jobs in his own constituency in Karachi" before the 10th fast of Ramazan, in line with the prime minister’s vision for poverty alleviation.