The Council of Common Interests (CCI), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has officially paused all new canal construction projects until a mutual understanding is reached among Pakistan’s provinces.
This decision was made during the 52nd meeting of the CCI at the Prime Minister’s House, where all four provincial chief ministers were present. The move reflects the federal government’s commitment to national cohesion, equitable water distribution, and long-term agriculture planning.
🏛️ Key Decisions from the Meeting
- No New Canals Without Consensus:
No new canal projects will proceed until unanimous agreement is secured through the CCI among all provinces. - Return of Previous Approvals:
- The provisional ECNEC approval (February 7, 2024) for new canal construction is to be returned.
- The IRSA water availability certificate (January 17, 2024) is also to be withdrawn.
- Formation of a Special Committee:
A committee with federal and provincial representatives will be formed to:- Develop a long-term roadmap for agriculture policy and water management infrastructure.
- Ensure that all solutions align with the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 and Water Policy 2018.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
Planning Division and IRSA are tasked to consult all stakeholders before moving forward with any future projects.
🇵🇰 Broader Context: Water Security and National Cohesion
The CCI emphasized that water is a precious national commodity and acknowledged the constitutional mandate to resolve water disputes amicably. The council stressed that Pakistan’s food security and ecological stability depend on careful, cooperative management of its water resources.
In addition, the meeting strongly condemned India’s actions post-Pahalgam incident, and fully welcomed the Senate’s resolution defending Pakistan’s water rights amidst rising tensions over the Indus Water Treaty.
👥 Attendees Included:
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar
- Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif
- Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Engineer Amir Muqam
- Chief Ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan
