The Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Monday shelved the federal government’s controversial Cholistan canals project and agreed to advance all new water infrastructure projects with mutual consensus of all stakeholders.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the 52nd meeting of the CCI, held after more than a year, and included the participation of over 25 people. The meeting, according to a statement, decided the federal government would not proceed with any new water infrastructure projects without mutual consensus of all stakeholders.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation among provincial governments to draft a long-term agricultural and water management strategy for the nation, the CCI noted that future plans must also respect the Water Apportionment Accord, 1991 and the Water Policy, 2018, which outline provincial water rights.
The CCI further decided to form a committee with representatives of the federal government and all provinces to address the country’s agricultural needs and ensure fair water distribution. The committee would seek to align the country’s water management with the principles outlined in the earlier agreements. “Water is a vital national resource,” it said, stressing the Constitution demands that all disputes over water be resolved “peacefully and through mutual understanding.”
The CCI’s decision formally nullified approval for the Cholistan canals project from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA)’s water availability certificate from Jan. 17, 2024. It directed the Planning Division and IRSA to consult all stakeholders in future, ensuring national cohesion and addressing all concerns prior to finalizing any decisions.
Additionally, the CCI deliberated on the ongoing conflict with India following the Pahalgam attack, condemning Delhi’s illegal and irresponsible actions regarding the Indus Water Treaty. The constitutional body reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace, but made clear the country is fully capable of defending itself against any aggression. The chief ministers of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa all supported the call for national unity, rallying together in solidarity against India’s unlawful actions.
The CCI also praised the Senate’s resolution condemning India’s provocations, underscoring Pakistan’s right to safeguard its water resources.
The meeting reviewed various reports from the CCI Secretariat and the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). It also approved new recruitment rules for the CCI Secretariat.
The CCI meeting, initially scheduled for May 2, was moved up on the request of the Sindh government, as various groups continued to stage sit-ins in the province, hampering traffic and trade.