Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday confirmed that the dispute over the construction of new canals has been amicably resolved, following high-level discussions between the federal and provincial leadership.
Speaking to the media after the CCI meeting, Shah expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for taking the concerns of Sindh seriously and addressing them thoughtfully. "I am thankful to the prime minister for recognizing the sensitivity of the canal issue," he said.
The chief minister revealed that he was present during the meeting between PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, where it was agreed that no new canal project would proceed without mutual consensus among the provinces.
"It has been decided that the federal government will not move forward with any new canal without consulting the provinces and obtaining agreement," Shah emphasized.
He further stated that the water distribution accord would be fully respected, and the federal government had withdrawn the earlier Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) approval from February 7. "The Planning Division and IRSA (Indus River System Authority) have been directed to consult all stakeholders before any future moves," he added.
Addressing public concerns, Shah clarified that no money had been allocated or spent on the controversial Cholistan Canal project, refuting claims circulating in political circles. "How could canals be built when not even a single rupee was spent?" he questioned.
The CM also criticized attempts to politicize the issue, saying that President Asif Ali Zardari was unnecessarily dragged into the controversy. "President Zardari did not want to speak on this issue but took the opportunity to clarify during the joint session of parliament, stating no decision would be made without consensus," Shah said, lamenting that even after the clarification, attempts were made to sow confusion.
"I personally guaranteed that no canal is being built, but still, some were unwilling to accept the assurance," he added.
Murad Ali Shah reiterated that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) would be the final forum for any future decision regarding canal construction and stressed that no project would proceed without full provincial consensus.
Highlighting historical context, he pointed out that in the past 25 years, not a single rupee had been allocated for the Kalabagh Dam, underlining Sindh’s long-standing concerns over water resource management.
He concluded by calling for an immediate end to the ongoing protest sit-ins over the issue, urging protesters to trust the democratic process. "We have not taken any action against the sit-ins, but now that the matter is resolved, they should end," he said.
Shah also mentioned that a technical committee would soon be tasked with developing a comprehensive 50-year water management plan to prevent future disputes.
Also Read: PM-led Council of Common Interests rejects plan for new canals
The 52nd meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was held on Monday at the Prime Minister's House, during which crucial decisions were made on national security, water management, and inter-provincial harmony.
In a strong show of unity, the CCI unanimously condemned India's "unilateral, illegal, and irresponsible actions" following the recent Pahalgam attack. Expressing national aspirations, the council sent a clear message of unity and solidarity to the people of Pakistan in the face of possible Indian aggression and misadventure.
"Pakistan is a peaceful and responsible nation but fully capable of defending itself if necessary," read the official statement issued after the meeting. All four provincial chief ministers pledged their full support to the federal government against any illegal moves by India. Additionally, the CCI announced that a resolution condemning India's actions had been overwhelmingly adopted.
On the domestic front, the council addressed crucial water management issues. It was decided that no new canals will be constructed without mutual understanding among all provinces through the CCI. The federal government assured that it would not proceed on any new water infrastructure project until a consensus was reached, reinforcing the importance of inter-provincial consultation and harmony.
Acknowledging the significance of water as one of the nation’s most vital resources, the CCI emphasized that water rights are protected under the Water Sharing Agreement of 1991 and the National Water Policy of 2018.
To further strengthen cooperation, the council decided to form a new committee with representation from the federal government and all provinces. This committee will work towards addressing provincial concerns, ensuring food and environmental security, and proposing long-term solutions for agricultural development and water resource management.
The Planning Division and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) were instructed to engage closely with all stakeholders to promote national unity in water management decisions.
Meanwhile, provisional approval granted for the construction of new canals on February 7, 2024, and the certification of the January 17, 2024, meeting were withdrawn, pending comprehensive mutual agreement among all parties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the spirit of unity shown by all provinces and reiterated the government's commitment to resolve all disputes amicably, safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests at all levels.
Following the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of all provinces regarding water distribution and financial matters.
Speaking to the media, Gandapur stated that under the 1991 Water Accord, each province is entitled to its rightful share of water. "Every province will receive its due share; we will not allow anyone to infringe upon the rights of others," he said.
Gandapur further added that if any province faces issues, it has been agreed that all stakeholders will sit together and resolve the matters amicably through dialogue.
Discussing financial matters, he mentioned that the issue related to the NFC (National Finance Commission) Award has been settled, though challenges remain regarding the 10th and 11th NFC Awards. "We will secure the rights of the merged districts as well," the Chief Minister asserted.
He also announced that another meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) is scheduled to take place in June, where pending issues will be discussed further.
"We will ensure that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gets its full constitutional rights," Gandapur emphasized.
