PMLN, PPP agrees to cancel canal project until CCI consensus

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, the federal Government has decided not to build controversial canal projects until a consensus is made by all provinces, said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while talking to the media on Thursday.

The controversial canal projects will be put on the table for consideration before the Council of Common Interests (CCI), with a meeting scheduled for May 2.

The decision was made after the Prime Minister met the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) delegation led by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday night.

While addressing the press conference, the Prime Minister said that being a federation it is most important for the country that all the inter provinces decision be made through proper consultation with all stakeholders.

The premier stated that table talks are need of the hour on this issue. However, he said that the Kalabagh dam may be economically profitable; while objections by sind government are far more I’m port6ant for federation unity.

PM Shehbaz further stated that projects that conflicted with federal interests would be avoided, and today’s discussion between the PML-N and PPP resulted in consensus-based choices. He insisted that no project would continue without provincial support and final CCI clearance.

Similarly, the PPP Chairman applauded the prime minister’s decision on the postponement of the canal project stating the this decision will reduce the intensity of the protests.

He also confirmed the decision that no canal shall be built until the consultation has been done and the objection has been resolved in the upcoming CCI meeting.

Earlier, the PPP delegation, including Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Nadeem Afzal Chan, Humayun Khan, CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah, and Shazia Marri, met with the Prime Minister.