The Prime Minister of Pakistan and president of PML-N, Shehbaz Sharif, has ordered his government to address the concerns of the Popular Party of Pakistan (PPP) with respect to a controversial project of the channel, indicating the will to resolve the matter through dialogue.
According to Prime Minister on Interprovincial Coordination, Rana Sanaullah Khan, the Shehbaz Sharif directive follows the consultation with the leader of the Nawaz Sharif party. “The prime minister has urged all pending problems with the PPP through conversations,” Rana said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the fair distribution of resources, including water, among the provinces.
Rana Sanaullah reaffirmed that the PPP is an integral part of the federal government and highlighted the need for responsible communication by all parties that have constitutional offices. “We have the leadership of the PPP in high esteem,” he said.
He referred to the 1991 Water Agreement and the IRSA Law of 1992, ensuring that these legal frameworks ensure that no province is deprived of their part of the water. “There is a constitutional mechanism to avoid any injustice,” he added.
When commenting on recent political tensions, Rana warned against the politicization of the issue of water distribution. “Such issues must be resolved at the negotiating table,” he urged. “The force of the provinces is the force of the Federation.”
He concluded reaffirming the long-standing position of the PML-N: “As a party committed to the Constitution and democracy, we will never commit ourselves to the rights of the provinces and their people. Dialogue and consultation are still the key to resolving all disputes
