The Federal Government has decided that no new canals will be built without mutual understanding from the Council of Common Interests.

This was announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during a meeting with a PPP delegation led by its Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in Islamabad on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said it has been decided that the Government of Pakistan will not move further until consensus is reached among all provinces.

He said it is engaging all provincial governments to chart out a long-term consensus roadmap for development of agriculture policy and water management infrastructure across Pakistan.

It was said that water rights of all provinces are enshrined in the Water Apportionment Accord-1991 and Water Policy-2018; with the consensus of all stakeholders.

To allay the concerns of all provinces and to ensure Pakistan’s food and ecological security, a committee is being formed with representation from the federation and all provinces.

The committee will propose solutions to Pakistan’s long term agriculture needs and water use of all provinces in line with the two consensus documents.

It was said that water is one of the most precious commodities and the makers of the Constitution recognized this, mandating all water disputes to be resolved amicably through consensus and concerns of any province shall be addressed through due diligence amongst all stakeholders.

 The Prime Minister said a meeting of the Council of Common Interests shall be convened on 2nd of the next month, wherein, the PPP and PML-N representatives shall endorse above mentioned federal government policy and any such proposals will be sent back to relevant agency in order to develop consensus.

On this occasion, Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari thanked the Prime Minister and expressed his resolve to continue working with the government.

He said no new canals will be built without mutual consensus.

Talking about Indian announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, he condemned the Indian move saying that it is not just illegal but also against humanity.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed determination to take up Pakistan's case at international level and give a befitting response to India.