Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday confirmed that the federal government, following consultations with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), will not proceed with the construction of any new canals until all water-related disputes are resolved through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).
The decision, aimed at easing tensions between provinces, was announced at a joint press conference held in Islamabad alongside PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The announcement follows weeks of unrest in Sindh and political pressure on the ruling coalition to halt controversial plans involving the diversion of water from the Indus River.
“No unilateral decisions will be made on canal projects without provincial consensus,” Prime Minister Shehbaz said, emphasizing the importance of federal harmony and cooperative decision-making. “We have agreed to hold a CCI meeting on May 2 to discuss these matters with all stakeholders, including the leadership of PPP and PML-N.”
Bilawal welcomed the move, calling it a necessary step to rebuild public trust and address the grievances raised by protesters and civil society. “Today’s announcements ensure no canals will be built without agreement,” he said. “These decisions will be formally ratified in the upcoming CCI meeting.”
The PPP chairman also took the opportunity to condemn recent Indian actions related to the Indus Waters Treaty, vowing a robust response from Pakistan. “We stand united with the government in opposing India’s violations and will respond with full force at all forums,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reassured the Senate that the canal issue would be addressed within the constitutional framework and in coordination with the Sindh government. “Nothing will be bulldozed,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to a lawful and consultative resolution.
In a related development, both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif have directed party members to actively engage with the PPP to resolve the growing rift over the canal plans and rising water concerns.
The federal government’s decision to defer any new canal construction until provincial agreement is reached marks a significant step toward diffusing tensions and restoring political balance within the ruling alliance. However, with protests still simmering across Sindh, the success of the May 2 CCI meeting will be crucial in determining whether this truce holds.
