The Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Monday endorsed the federal government’s policy to suspend the construction of new canals until a mutual understanding is reached among all provinces.
The decision was made during the 52nd CCI meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House. The meeting saw strong condemnation from all four provincial chief ministers against India’s unilateral and illegal actions following the Pahalgam incident.
The CCI also welcomed the Senate’s resolution condemning India’s recent steps, affirming Pakistan’s right to protect its water interests amid the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and the stoppage of water flow by India.
Under the endorsed policy, the federal government will not proceed with any new canal projects without consensus from the provinces through the CCI. Efforts are underway to engage all provincial governments to develop a long-term consensus roadmap for agricultural policy and water management infrastructure across Pakistan. The water rights of all provinces remain protected under the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991 and the Water Policy of 2018, both based on stakeholder consensus.
To address provincial concerns and ensure Pakistan’s food and ecological security, the CCI announced the formation of a committee representing the federation and all provinces. This committee will propose solutions for the country’s long-term agricultural needs and equitable water use in line with existing consensus documents.
The council emphasized that water is a precious resource, and the Constitution mandates that all water disputes be resolved amicably through mutual understanding, with due consideration for the concerns of all provinces.
Following extensive deliberations, the CCI decided to return the provisional ECNEC approval dated February 7, 2024, for new canal construction, as well as the IRSA water availability certificate issued on January 17, 2024.
The CCI directed the Planning Division and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to consult all stakeholders thoroughly to maintain national cohesion and address concerns until a mutual agreement is reached.
The meeting was attended by 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, along with the four provincial chief ministers.
