Karachi: The federal government has convened a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) for today (Monday) to discuss the contentious matter of six new canals on the Indus River.
The meeting, which was initially scheduled for May 2, has been moved earlier in response to concerns raised by the Sindh government, as confirmed by Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.
The issue has sparked significant opposition, particularly from Sindh, after the ambitious Cholistan project was inaugurated on February 15 by Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
The project aims to irrigate lands in South Punjab but has faced strong resistance in Sindh, where there are concerns about water distribution and its impact on the province’s share from the Indus River.
After months of protests and opposition, including from various social groups, the federal government announced on April 23 that the project would be halted until a consensus could be reached within the CCI.
The move came amid heightened tensions following India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), further complicating the matter.
In a statement, Memon confirmed that the meeting would be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and held in Islamabad this evening.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will attend on behalf of Sindh.
The decision to convene the meeting ahead of schedule follows a Friday discussion between Prime Minister Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, where it was agreed that a resolution on the canals issue would be reached.
The decision to move the CCI meeting earlier comes amid growing concerns from the business community and traders.
Protests against the canal projects have caused disruptions, including blockages of national highways in parts of Sindh, severely impacting interprovincial traffic.
Also Read: Murad Ali Shah: ”Protests will Continue until Canal Projects are Cancelled”
A resolution at the CCI meeting could bring an end to the ongoing protests and help restore order, allowing for more clarity on the future of the canal projects and water distribution in the region.
