Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a halt to the construction of new canals across Pakistan, making future progress on such projects contingent upon mutual consensus among all provinces.
The decision came following a high-level meeting between the Prime Minister and a delegation from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The delegation included Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, former Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Humayun Khan, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Shazia Marri, Jam Khan Shoro, and Jameel Ahmed Soomro.
The dialogue focused on concerns raised over proposed canal projects drawing from the Indus River. During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed to all conditions put forward by the PPP, affirming that no new canals would be developed without inter-provincial agreement.
National Consensus Required on Canal Projects
In a joint press conference following the meeting, PM Sharif confirmed that work on the proposed canals had been suspended and announced that all future developments on the issue would proceed only through consensus among provinces. He revealed that a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) has been scheduled for Friday, May 2, to address the matter.
“No canal project will move forward without agreement among the provinces,” stated the Prime Minister. “This issue must be resolved through mutual understanding.”
The Prime Minister added that discussions during the upcoming CCI meeting would also include past decisions taken jointly by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the PPP. “We will resolve issues between the federation and provinces with sincerity,” he said, noting that the government had briefed Bilawal Bhutto in detail regarding recent developments, including India’s provocative announcements.
He also acknowledged the longstanding opposition from Sindh to the controversial Kalabagh Dam project. “If a province objects in the national interest, we must respect that. We should avoid actions that create conflict with the federation,” he added.
Bilawal Bhutto: “No Canal Without Consent”
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the Prime Minister for addressing the party’s concerns, stating: “No new canal will be constructed without mutual consent. Today’s decision will help address the grievances of those protesting these projects.”
Bilawal also condemned India’s recent threats related to the Indus Waters Treaty and vowed Pakistan would respond decisively. “We denounce India’s actions and will give a strong response,” he said.
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He emphasized that the canal construction issue had now been deferred pending formal endorsement by the CCI, and a press release would be issued summarizing today’s decisions.
Official Communiqué: Water Projects to Follow Constitution, Existing Agreements
According to an official communiqué issued after the meeting, no new canals will be constructed without mutual agreement among the provinces. The federal government will not move forward with any plans until consensus is reached. It affirmed that the water rights of all provinces are protected under the 1991 Water Accord and the 2018 National Water Policy.
The communiqué also announced the formation of a new committee with representation from the federal government and all provinces. The committee will propose long-term agricultural water use strategies and safeguards for food and environmental security, in line with the two agreed-upon documents.
It further stressed that water is one of Pakistan’s most vital resources and that its significance has been acknowledged in the Constitution of 1973.
