Islamabad, Apr 29, 2025: In a major policy decision, the Council of Common Interests (CCI) has endorsed the federal government’s stance that no new canal projects will proceed without complete mutual understanding among all provinces.
The CCI has officially returned the provisional ECNEC approval granted on February 7, 2024, for the construction of new canals, along with the IRSA-issued water availability certificate from January 17, 2024.
The federal government has firmly decided that no new canals will be built without consensus through the CCI.
Moving forward, it has committed not to advance any water-related projects until a mutual understanding has evolved among the provinces.
This decision emphasizes national unity and respects the Water Apportionment Accord 1991 and the Water Policy 2018, ensuring that the water rights of all provinces are fully protected.
To build a long-term roadmap for agriculture development and water management in Pakistan, the federal government is actively engaging all provincial governments.
A new committee, comprising representatives from both the federation and all provinces, is being formed to propose solutions for sustainable agriculture and equitable water use.
This move seeks to address the concerns of all provinces while safeguarding Pakistan’s food security and ecological balance.
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Recognizing that water is a precious national resource, the Constitution of Pakistan mandates the resolution of all water disputes through mutual understanding and collaborative dialogue.
The Planning Division and IRSA have been instructed to ensure full consultation with all stakeholders to maintain national cohesion and address any issues thoroughly before progressing with any future projects.
This decision marks a historic shift towards inclusive water management and reflects the federal government’s commitment to transparency, cooperation, and long-term agricultural growth in Pakistan.
