The 52nd meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was held on Monday at the Prime Minister's House, during which crucial decisions were made on national security, water management, and inter-provincial harmony.
In a strong show of unity, the CCI unanimously condemned India's "unilateral, illegal, and irresponsible actions" following the recent Pahalgam attack. Expressing national aspirations, the council sent a clear message of unity and solidarity to the people of Pakistan in the face of possible Indian aggression and misadventure.
"Pakistan is a peaceful and responsible nation but fully capable of defending itself if necessary," read the official statement issued after the meeting. All four provincial chief ministers pledged their full support to the federal government against any illegal moves by India. Additionally, the CCI announced that a resolution condemning India's actions had been overwhelmingly adopted.
On the domestic front, the council addressed crucial water management issues. It was decided that no new canals will be constructed without mutual understanding among all provinces through the CCI. The federal government assured that it would not proceed on any new water infrastructure project until a consensus was reached, reinforcing the importance of inter-provincial consultation and harmony.
Acknowledging the significance of water as one of the nation’s most vital resources, the CCI emphasized that water rights are protected under the Water Sharing Agreement of 1991 and the National Water Policy of 2018.
To further strengthen cooperation, the council decided to form a new committee with representation from the federal government and all provinces. This committee will work towards addressing provincial concerns, ensuring food and environmental security, and proposing long-term solutions for agricultural development and water resource management.
The Planning Division and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) were instructed to engage closely with all stakeholders to promote national unity in water management decisions.
Meanwhile, provisional approval granted for the construction of new canals on February 7, 2024, and the certification of the January 17, 2024, meeting were withdrawn, pending comprehensive mutual agreement among all parties.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the spirit of unity shown by all provinces and reiterated the government's commitment to resolve all disputes amicably, safeguarding Pakistan’s national interests at all levels.
Following the meeting, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of all provinces regarding water distribution and financial matters.
Speaking to the media, Gandapur stated that under the 1991 Water Accord, each province is entitled to its rightful share of water. "Every province will receive its due share; we will not allow anyone to infringe upon the rights of others," he said.
Gandapur further added that if any province faces issues, it has been agreed that all stakeholders will sit together and resolve the matters amicably through dialogue.
Discussing financial matters, he mentioned that the issue related to the NFC (National Finance Commission) Award has been settled, though challenges remain regarding the 10th and 11th NFC Awards. "We will secure the rights of the merged districts as well," the Chief Minister asserted.
He also announced that another meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) is scheduled to take place in June, where pending issues will be discussed further.
"We will ensure that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gets its full constitutional rights," Gandapur emphasized.
