ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to form a high-level negotiations committee to address the concerns over the Indus Canals Project. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will lead this committee, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) sources confirmed on Monday.
The committee will consist of key ministers, including those handling planning, water resources, energy, and food security. It will also include the prime minister’s adviser on political affairs, as well as experts on water and agriculture. Their main goal is to resolve the controversy surrounding the Indus Canals Project through dialogue.
Massive protests have erupted across Sindh against the proposed canals on the Indus River. The Sindh government, led by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has firmly opposed the project. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari even warned that his party might exit the ruling coalition if the project is not scrapped.
Other political parties and civil society groups have also joined the protests. Sit-ins are being staged at several locations in Sindh. Protesters fear that the Indus Canals Project could worsen the already critical water shortage in the province.
Sensing the gravity of the situation, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah reached out to Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon on Sunday. He proposed talks to ease tensions. Another conversation between the two leaders took place on Monday, with both sides agreeing to keep the dialogue process alive.
According to a senior PML-N leader, the leadership discussed the backlash against the Indus Canals Project during a recent consultative meeting. PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif agreed that negotiations were the best solution. As a result, the PML-N leadership ordered the formation of the negotiations committee to engage with the PPP and other stakeholders.
Sources revealed that the final composition of the committee would be approved by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. They also hinted at possible meetings between Shehbaz, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to find an amicable solution to the Indus Canals Project crisis.
The committee will also open talks with other political parties. Meetings are planned in both Karachi and Islamabad. A joint action plan will be developed to address the concerns around the Indus Canals Project.
If needed, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif may convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI). The PML-N is also considering the option of hosting an all-parties conference on the canals issue.
Meanwhile, Rana Sanaullah held another round of discussions with Sharjeel Memon on Monday. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the matter through continuous consultation. Rana emphasized that no province’s water share can be diverted to another under the Water Accord.
He stressed that water distribution is a technical and administrative issue. Therefore, it must be handled carefully at appropriate levels without political exploitation.
Separately, Water Resources Minister Moeen Wattoo addressed the media in Okara. He assured that confusion regarding the Indus Canals Project and water distribution would soon be cleared. He promised that all concerns would be settled in accordance with the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) law.
Wattoo dismissed political point-scoring over the water issue. He clarified that the Cholistan Canal would receive water from Punjab’s own share. He also stressed that IRSA law guarantees every province its rightful share.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked Rana Sanaullah to directly engage with PPP leaders. Rana expressed hope that, through dialogue, the Indus Canals Project dispute would be resolved soon.
“We should sit together, discuss the real problems facing Pakistan, and reach a mutual understanding,” Rana said. “PPP is our partner at the federal level. God willing, we will find a peaceful solution to the water issue.”
