Pakistan Halts Canal Project Amid Indus Treaty Tensions, Protests

Pakistan has halted the construction of new canal projects, including the contentious Cholistan irrigation initiative, until a consensus is reached among its provinces within the Council of Common Interests (CCI), following heightened domestic opposition and escalating regional tensions over water sharing. The decision comes after India unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a pivotal water-sharing agreement between the two countries, with Pakistani leaders condemning the move as illegal and a violation of international norms. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari jointly emphasized that no further progress on canal projects will occur without mutual agreement from all provinces, reflecting a commitment to federal unity and equitable water management. A committee will be formed to address provincial concerns and to propose solutions in line with existing water accords. The federal government stressed that all future water infrastructure projects must be approved through consensus, underscoring the importance of dialogue and constitutional processes in resolving inter-provincial disputes. This pause in canal construction highlights both domestic friction over water allocation and the broader regional impact of India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty.