ISLAMABAD, Thursday, April 24, 2025 (WNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday assured that no new canals would be constructed without unanimous agreement among all provinces through the Council of Common Interests (CCI), reinforcing the government’s commitment to inter-provincial harmony and cooperative federalism.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by its Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the prime minister said the federal government would not move forward on canal development projects unless a consensus is reached in the CCI. He announced that a session of the CCI would be convened on Friday, May 2, to deliberate on the issue.

Shehbaz Sharif briefed the PPP delegation on key decisions taken during the recent National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, particularly in response to India’s provocative rhetoric and aggressive posture towards Pakistan.

“We have issued a clear statement rejecting India’s jingoistic actions following deliberations by the National Security Committee,” the prime minister noted, underscoring Pakistan’s resolve to counter hostile narratives diplomatically and strategically.

Addressing concerns raised over the controversial Kalabagh Dam project, the prime minister acknowledged that while the dam may offer economic benefits, preserving the federation’s integrity and respecting the reservations of the federating units takes precedence.

“For decades, I have maintained that Kalabagh Dam holds economic merit. However, nothing is more important than the unity of the federation. The objections raised by the provinces must be respected,” he said.

Reiterating the need for dialogue and consensus, the prime minister emphasized that issues relating to inter-provincial water distribution should be resolved amicably and in line with national interests. He confirmed that the PPP and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had agreed to bring the matter of canal construction to the CCI platform for formal endorsement.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari welcomed the government’s decision to seek consensus through institutional mechanisms like the CCI and thanked the prime minister for considering the provinces’ concerns.

Bilawal also expressed strong disapproval of India’s recent move to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a blatant violation of international norms. He reiterated his party’s support for the federal government’s stance on the issue and pledged to raise the matter at international forums.

“The Kalabagh Dam was halted in the past due to objections from provinces. We expect similar sensitivity and consensus-driven decisions going forward,” Bilawal added.

The meeting concluded with both parties affirming their shared commitment to democratic dialogue, provincial autonomy, and safeguarding Pakistan’s water rights.