Govt pauses canals project after intense opposition and suspension of IWT

The federal government decided to suspend work on the six-canal project until a consensus is reached among all stakeholders, following strong objections raised by civil society and opposition parties over concerns regarding non-transparent water distribution.

In a joint press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced the decision, citing growing discontent among the affected communities and the uncertain situation created after India suspended its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The Cholistan Canal, regarded as the flashpoint of the controversy, was recently inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The project drew criticism for being launched without inter-provincial consensus.

A PPP delegation led by Bilawal Bhutto met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House to formally express their party’s reservations. The delegation included Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Humayun Khan, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Shazia Marri, Jam Khan Shoro, and Jamil Ahmed Soomro.

Speaking at the press conference, the Prime Minister announced that a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) will be held on Friday, May 2.

“The federal government has decided not to proceed with the canal project without the consent of all provinces. Any decision on the construction of new canals must come through consensus in the CCI,” he said.

He further added, “The positions of both the PPP and PML-N will be discussed at the CCI meeting. We are committed to resolving federal-provincial matters in good faith.”

Referring to the long-standing dispute over the Kalabagh Dam, the Prime Minister noted, “If Sindh objects to the Kalabagh Dam, we should respect that for the sake of national unity. The same principle should apply to the canal project, no new canals will be built without mutual agreement.”

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto emphasised the gravity of India’s move to suspend the Indus Water Treaty. “We strongly condemn India’s unilateral decision. Pakistan will deliver a firm response,” he said.

Read: PPP warns of dismantling federal govt over canals issue

Bilawal added that halting the canal project would help address the grievances of those protesting against it. “This decision reflects our commitment to provincial consensus and will be ratified by the Council of Common Interests.”

According to a government statement, the canal project will not move forward unless all provinces are in agreement. It reaffirmed that water rights of provinces are protected under the 1991 Water Accord and the National Water Policy 2018.

A special committee is also being formed to address provincial concerns and ensure food and environmental security. The committee will include representatives from both the federation and all provinces and will propose long-term agricultural and water-use solutions based on two mutually agreed documents.