1 week Ago
In a welcome development, the meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Monday endorsed the federal government’s decision to halt the initiative for six much-contested new canals on the Indus River until a mutual understanding can be reached among the provinces. This move comes in response to widespread protests across the country against the project. More importantly, the meeting demonstrated that despite past disagreements, the provinces can still come together at the highest level to resolve matters of national importance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Amir Muqam, and the four Provincial Chief Ministers all attended the CCI meeting, reflecting a broad and diverse range of political players who, despite their differences, aligned to sort out this critical issue. In essence, the CCI’s endorsement of the government’s plan to suspend the project until consensus is achieved places the responsibility squarely on the government to foster agreement among all political parties and stakeholders — especially the farmers of downstream Sindh, who stand to be most affected by the project. The recent tensions with India over the Indus Waters Treaty, particularly following India’s claimed abrogation of its obligations, highlight how sensitive and volatile water-sharing disputes can become.
Pakistan has made clear that any Indian attempt to block Indus waters or build additional dams would be considered an act of war. Such stark warnings reveal the depth of distrust between upstream and downstream states when it comes to vital water resources. Affordable Healthcare Given this backdrop, it is crucial to secure the trust and buy-in of Sindhi farmers; otherwise, the project risks deepening divisions and fostering greater resentment.
It is therefore fitting that, with the Indus Waters Treaty itself under strain, Pakistan is now turning a critical eye to its own internal water-sharing agreements. As climate change accelerates, glaciers recede, and other challenges to water security mount, the question of how to manage and plan for the future of Pakistan’s water resources becomes ever more urgent. Tags: common.
