PM Shehbaz Halts Indus Canals Project Until Inter-Provincial Consensus

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a pause on the Indus River canal project, stressing that further progress will not continue until all provinces reach a mutual consensus.

The decision came after a key meeting between PM Shehbaz and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad on Thursday. The move appears aimed at easing tensions following mass protests in Sindh over the controversial canal construction.

No Canal Progress Without Provincial Agreement

Addressing the media alongside Bilawal Bhutto, the prime minister stated:

“Further canal construction will only proceed with mutual agreement on the canal issue.”

He also revealed that a session of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) has been scheduled for May 2, where provincial concerns will be discussed in detail. PM Shehbaz emphasized that just as Sindh’s reservations on the Kalabagh Dam were resolved, the canal issue will also be addressed through dialogue and consensus.

Bilawal Welcomes Halt, Highlights Sindh’s Concerns

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari appreciated the federal government’s decision, confirming that PM Shehbaz had acknowledged the grievances of Sindh’s people, who have been staging sit-ins and protests across the province.

“The people of Sindh have genuine concerns. We hope the upcoming CCI meeting will lead to a fair decision,” said Bilawal.

He also condemned India’s recent move to revoke the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it an “injustice against humanity.” He pledged to raise the issue on international platforms.

Widespread Protests Disrupt Trade Routes

Protests against the canal project intensified this week, with major highways in Sindh blocked by demonstrators. Protesters fear that the construction of new canals on the Indus River will threaten Sindh’s water rights and agricultural sustainability.

Due to road blockades, nearly 250 containers of potatoes headed for export markets are now stranded at Sindh’s entry points. Exporters warned of severe damage to the perishable goods, as these containers require constant temperature control, powered by generators.

“If these delays continue, the entire potato shipment could rot. Exporters may face millions in losses,” said a representative of the Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association.

CCI Meeting May 2 to Be Crucial

All eyes are now on the May 2 CCI session, where the federal and provincial leadership is expected to finalize a way forward. Both the PPP and federal government have hinted at a peaceful and democratic resolution, ensuring the rights of smaller provinces are respected.

With the canal project temporarily on hold, the federal government appears committed to preserving national unity and inter-provincial trust. Whether a lasting consensus is achieved will depend on the outcome of the upcoming CCI meeting.

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