Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Thursday that no new canals will be constructed in Pakistan without mutual consent and consensus among all provinces. Addressing a joint press conference alongside Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of federal unity and collaboration.
Shehbaz Sharif revealed that a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) has been scheduled for May 2 to formally address the issue of canal construction. He stated that during the meeting with PPP, both parties agreed that until a decision is reached in the CCI, no new canals will be built.
He added, “Pakistan is a federation, and it comes with responsibilities. I made it clear in my opening remarks that if a province like Sindh raises concerns, we must respect them. Economic benefits aside, nothing is more important than federal harmony.”
Referring to the controversial Kalabagh Dam project, the Prime Minister acknowledged its potential economic advantages but reiterated that any initiative conflicting with federal unity would not be pursued. “If Kalabagh Dam contradicts the interests of the federation, it should not be built,” he stated.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the Prime Minister for his cooperative approach and confirmed that the upcoming CCI meeting would validate the mutual decision that no new canals are currently under construction.
Bilawal also criticized India for failing to uphold the Indus Waters Treaty. “We strongly condemn India's actions, which are not only illegal but also inhumane,” he said.
