The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam has welcomed a statement by Muttahida Qaumi Movement Chief Altaf Hussain favouring the Kalabagh Dam, saying now "time is ripe for all Pakistani, including Karachiites, to rise in support of this vital dam". In a speech in a meeting of 'Build Kalabagh Dam Movement' on Wednesday, party central leader Chaudhry Moonis Elahi claimed that the movement had been endorsed in the social media by over eight million Pakistanis.
The central leader castigated the government's flawed policies, particularly its metro bus project, saying, "At a time when the feeble Pakistani nation requires energy projects like the Kalabagh Dam, the rulers have deployed huge funds to exhibitionist and extravagant schemes. The recent deaths in Karachi and the nation-wide ongoing protests against frequent power-cuts are a testimony to the government's failed and misplaced policies."
He went on, "Instead of starting power generation projects that can provide electricity at Rs 2 per unit to consumers, the rulers are focusing on projects that if these are completed, they will provide electricity at Rs 25 per unit. The rulers will be held accountable by the nation for their unpardonable sins." The party leader welcoming the Muttahida's change of stance on the dam claimed that it would never be long before all the dam opponents would come to reason and support the construction of it in the nation's best interest. He also commended efforts by the 'Build Kalabagh Dam Movement' members and told them to double their efforts.