CCI Backs Federal Decision to Pause Contentious Indus Canals Project Amid Provincial Disputes

 CCI halts Indus River canals project pending provincial consensus, forms committee for water equity.

Islamabad – The Council of Common Interests (CCI) on Monday unanimously endorsed the federal government’s decision to halt the controversial construction of six new canals on the Indus River until a “mutual understanding” is reached among provinces, addressing long-standing inter-provincial tensions over water distribution.

Key Decision and Background

The move follows months of protests, particularly from Sindh, which opposed the Cholistan canal initiative inaugurated in February by Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. Critics argued the project risked exacerbating water inequities under the Water Apportionment Accord, 1991. The government paused the project on April 23, citing India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and domestic discord.

CCI Meeting Highlights

Chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif, the CCI session attended by provincial chief ministers and federal ministers outlined:

• Project Freeze: No new canals will proceed without provincial consensus, reversing earlier approvals by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) and Indus River System Authority (IRSA).
• Committee Formation: A federal-provincial committee will draft a long-term agriculture and water management roadmap aligned with national food security and ecological needs.
• Stakeholder Consultation: IRSA and the Planning Division must engage all provinces to ensure “national cohesion.”

Condemnation of India and National Unity

The CCI strongly condemned India’s “unilateral and irresponsible” IWT suspension post-Pahalgam attack, reaffirming Pakistan’s readiness to defend sovereignty. Provincial leaders pledged solidarity against “Indian aggression,” emphasizing peaceful resolve.

Sindh’s Stance and Next Steps

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon welcomed the CCI’s intervention, stressing the need for equitable water policies. The committee’s mandate includes resolving disputes under the 2018 National Water Policy, ensuring no province’s rights are compromised.