WEBDESK: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has summoned an emergency meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) today to address the growing concerns over controversial canal projects. The move comes as protests continue, especially from Sindh, where political leaders are worried that new canals could deepen the existing water crisis.
Shehbaz Sharif’s decision follows strong criticism from Sindh’s leadership, including Minister Sharjeel Memon, who stressed that these projects could severely impact the province’s water supply.
The meeting, initially scheduled for May 2, was called upon the request of the Sindh government and is set to take place in Islamabad later today.
Chief ministers from all four provinces, along with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, are expected to attend.
According to officials, Shehbaz Sharif will listen to the concerns raised by Sindh and other provinces. The government is hoping that through dialogue and mutual understanding, the tensions around water distribution can be eased.
Sharjeel Memon said that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will represent Sindh in the crucial CCI session. “The decision will be made in view of the recent talks between Bilawal Bhutto and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” minister said.
“The issue of canals will be settled in the CCI today,” he said.
Sources suggest that Shehbaz Sharif wants to ensure that no province feels left out or unfairly treated in national projects.
Meanwhile, sit-in protests and shutter-down strikes continued across various cities in Sindh against the proposed construction of six new canals.
Earlier, Sharjeel Inam Memon, urged all political parties and the lawyers’ community to reopen roads to ensure smooth transport of goods and prevent further economic losses.
He warned that the closure of highways is severely impacting the public, livestock movement, import-export activities, farmers, and the poor.
“The closure of highways has severely impacted the public, livestock, imports, exports, farmers, and the poor,” Memon stated, urging that steps be taken immediately to restore traffic.
“This issue will be permanently closed following the official CCI meeting,” he said.
