Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PM Shehbaz Halts Progress on Cholistan Canal Project Amid National and Regional Tensions
Breaking: PM Shehbaz Sharif has announced that no further work will proceed on the Cholistan Canal Project without mutual consensus in the Council of Common Interest (CCI).
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-24
PM Shehbaz Halts Progress on Cholistan Canal Project Amid National and Regional Tensions

Islamabad, April 24: Amid mounting domestic pressure and heightened regional tensions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a pause on the controversial Cholistan Canal Project, pending a decision from the Council of Common Interest (CCI).

Speaking at a joint press conference with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the premier said the government would not move forward with any canal construction unless there is provincial consensus.

“Until a decision is made through mutual agreement in the CCI, no new canal will be built,” PM Shehbaz stated, highlighting the importance of inter-provincial cooperation on national resources.

Nationwide Uproar

The announcement comes in response to widespread protests against the project, especially from Sindh, where the Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution opposing the initiative in March. The ruling PPP, a key coalition partner of the federal government, has also voiced strong objections to the project, citing potential harm to Sindh's water share.

India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty

Adding to the urgency of the issue, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty just a day ago, following unsubstantiated allegations by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government linking Pakistan to the recent Pahalgam attack in occupied Kashmir. The move has raised alarms over regional water security and diplomatic stability.

Military and Provincial Leadership Involved

The project was originally inaugurated on February 15 by Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, prompting immediate backlash over fears of inequitable water distribution.

Looking Ahead

A CCI meeting has been scheduled for May 2, where all provinces are expected to deliberate on the project’s future. Stakeholders hope the meeting will result in a cooperative and equitable solution that respects constitutional frameworks and inter-provincial harmony.
Tagged:

cci

WaterDisputes

CholistanProject

IndusWatersTreaty
Share News: