KARACHI:
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has dismissed concerns over new canals on the Indus River as baseless, stating that under the existing water sharing framework, no province can take another’s share.
He noted that Irsa, composed of representatives from all provinces, ensures strict monitoring of water allocation, leaving no room for reduction or diversion of any province’s share.
However, speaking at the residences of PML-N leaders Haji Muzafar Shujra and Akhtar Jadoon on Friday, Iqbal emphasized the urgent need to expand water reserves to address the challenges posed by climate change.
Commenting on speculation about friction within the PML-N-led ruling coalition, particularly with its key ally the PPP, Iqbal rejected allegations of internal threats and asserted that the government was stable.
He called for an end to divisive politics and said, “The political accident of 2018 was no less damaging than the crisis of 1971. Political institutions must work in harmony for Pakistan to progress,” referring to the rise to power of Imran Khan’s PTI.
The minister lashed out at the PTI, accusing it of spreading political instability and undermining the State. “Imran Khan’s four years of incompetence brought the country to the brink of disaster. A man who could not even manage a union council was entrusted with the management of a nuclear power plant,” he said.
Iqbal alleged that the PTI was involved in “organized conspiracies” against state institutions and accused the party of damaging the country’s reputation internationally. “PTI’s international team is working to divert attention from Palestinian issues to its political agenda by providing a bailout to Israel and India,” he said.
“Imran Khan is not a political prisoner; he is a criminal prisoner. His incompetence plunged the country into economic quicksand, and now he seeks executive orders for his release. This is hypocrisy at its peak.”
Regarding economic progress under the current government, Ahsan Iqbal said the government’s focus was to build a foundation that will surpass India in development over the next five years.
Iqbal said, “It is time to equip our youth with quality education and skills. Barriers for exporters must be removed. In today’s global economy, we must rise to the occasion to compete.”
He noted that remittances have increased 30% this year and shared that the federal government’s emblematic Urán program aims to stabilize the economy.
“Following the Uran initiative, Pakistan’s economy is ready to take off. Global recognition of our economic stability is growing,” he said.
Iqbal also reported that inflation had fallen to a record low of 1.9%, as the government continues to lift the country out of the dire conditions inherited from the previous administration.
He praised overseas Pakistanis for their support, noting that they rejected calls to stop remittances and instead played a crucial role in the country’s recovery.
