Pakistan News
PTI submits resolution to NA speaker against Cholistan canals project
The PTI on Thursday submitted a resolution in the National Assembly against the planned construction of six new canals on the Indus River.
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the ambitious Cholistan project to irrigate south Punjab’s lands on February 15 amid public uproar and strong reservations in Sindh.
The contentious $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) launched by the federal government to develop six canals to irrigate 1.2 million acres of “barren land” in south Punjab has been strongly opposed by the PPP, which is in power in Sindh, as well as farmers and other stakeholders.
Today, PTI lawmakers — including its NA parliamentary leader Zartaj Gul, Ali Muhammad Khan and Mohammad Ahmed Chattha — submitted a resolution to Speaker Ayaz Sadiq against the canals project.
The resolution, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, demanded that the “construction of the Cholistan canal projects” should be suspended immediately until the Council of Common Interest (CCI) approves it.
The PPP has repeatedly called for a meeting of the CCI — empowered to decide, formulate and regulate policies concerning interprovincial and centre-province matters — to be convened.
https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1869713
The resolution said the CCI’s approval for the project was needed to “safeguard inter-provincial harmony and compliance with constitutional norms”.
Citing Article 154 of the Constitution (CCI’s functions and rules of procedure), the PTI called on the government to convene an emergency meeting of the council within 15 days to deliberate and resolve Sindh’s reservations concerning the project under the GPI, “ensuring all provincial stakeholders are heard”.
The resolution also demanded an independent audit of the Indus River System Authority’s (Irsa) water availability certificate issued for the Cholistan canals.
It said the audit should be conducted by a “neutral panel of hydrologists and environmental experts within 60 days, with findings tabled before this House to verify compliance with the Water Apportionment Accord 1991, and assess impacts on Sindh’s water share”.
On Monday, the Sindh High Court restrained Irsa and others from taking any further action on the planned construction of the canals, based on the issue of an improper appointment to the authority.
https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1902784
“A moratorium shall be imposed on all new canal projects on the Indus River system until the Water Apportionment Accord 1991, is fully enforced, ensuring that Sindh’s allocated share of 48.76 million acre-feet (MAF) and the lower riparian rights of downstream provinces are protected, including a minimum environmental flow of 10 MAF below Kotri Barrage to sustain the Indus Delta,” the resolution read.
It further asserted that the federal government and provincial authorities “shall ensure mandatory, transparent consultations with downstream stakeholders” — including Sindh’s elected representatives, farmers, and civil society — with public hearings documented and accessible before any CCI decision.
The PTI’s resolution highlighted that Sindh relies on the Indus River as a “vital source of water for agriculture, domestic use, and ecological sustainability”.
It noted that the canals’ construction in Punjab, including the Cholistan Canal projects initiated under the GPI, had “raised significant concerns in Sindh regarding potential reductions in its water share and downstream environmental impacts”.
The PTI highlighted that Articles 153 (CCI), 154 (functions and rules) and 155 (complaints as to interference with water supplies) of the Constitution mandate “equitable distribution of natural resources among federating units and vests” the CCI with the authority to resolve inter-provincial disputes over water.
“Sindh’s reservations, formally lodged with the CCI in July 2024, highlight the need for transparency, scientific assessment, and inter-provincial consensus prior to such projects,” it stated.
Earlier this month, the PTI, along with the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), staged a sit-in and rally against the planned canals, claiming the project would greatly hinder water supply to Karachi.
PPP ‘protests’ in NA after resolution omitted from agenda
Meanwhile, PPP lawmakers recorded their protest in the NA today over a purported resolution against the six canals project not being included in the NA agenda, the party’s central spokesperson Shazia Marri said.
Marri, in a statement posted by her party on X, claimed that the PPP had submitted a resolution opposing the canals in the lower house of the parliament on April 7 but did not receive support from either the PML-N or the MQM-P — its allies in the ruling coalition.
“Despite the response of the PML-N in the House, the PPP is continuously demanding the approval of a resolution against the construction of canals on the Indus River,” Marri asserted, adding that the PTI “caused a ruckus” during today’s proceedings.
The MNA further said the PPP held Punjab ministers responsible for “provocative and divisive” statements on the issue, whilst chastising the PTI for disrupting the session.
“It was very upsetting to see the PTI’s irresponsible attitude on display during the debate on the canals,” Marri was quoted as saying. “The fact is, two of these canals were approved by [then-premier] Imran Niazi [Khan] during the PTI’s tenure, which Sindh was strongly against,” she claimed.
Marri added that if the PTI wanted to make amends for this past “error”, then they should support her party’s resolution.
“We have to stand together against the canal project, as it is a matter of life and death,” the party spokesperson added. “Water should be distributed across the country according to the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord.”
Asserting that the PPP has always fought for fair water distribution, Marri reiterated PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari’s stances on the issue, noting that both figures called the project “unilateral”.
https://www.dawn.com/news/card/1902153
The NA session will resume at 11am tomorrow, a statement on its X account said.
The PPP-led Sindh government had opposed a planning body’s approval for the Cholistan canal in October 2024, but faced criticism by nationalist parties over its alleged complicity in the project.
In response, the PPP last month staged province-wide rallies to protest the scheme and the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution against it.
Taken From Dawn News
BERLIN, Germany — The Embassy of Pakistan in Berlin marked the first anniversary of Maarka‑e‑Haq (The Battle of Truth) with a solemn ceremony that highlighted Pakistan’s national unity, strategic restraint, and commitment to regional peace.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Germany, H.E. Saqlain Syeda , described Pakistan’s conduct during Operation Bunyan‑un‑Marsoos as an example of responsible and principled statecraft. She noted that Pakistan’s response to Indian aggression was “measured, lawful, and firmly rooted in international norms,” adding that the country’s political and military leadership demonstrated exceptional coordination at a critical moment.
Ambassador Ms.Syeda praised the “unshakeable resolve” of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, commending their readiness to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. She also underscored the importance of public support, which she said played a vital role in strengthening the country’s unified stance during the crisis.
Prominent German‑Pakistani businessman Manzoor Awan emphasized the urgent need for unity and national cohesion in Pakistan, stating that collective strength remains the country’s greatest asset in times of challenge.
Speaking at the event, Awan noted that Pakistanis have historically stood together as a united nation. He stressed that strong coordination between the public and the government is essential for confronting external threats, adding that “with unity, not only India but any major adversary can be faced with confidence.”
Awan reaffirmed the unwavering support of the Pakistani people for the Pakistan Army, saying that whenever the nation encounters danger, the public and the armed forces respond together with courage and determination.
Members of the Pakistani diaspora in Germany also spoke at the event, expressing solidarity and national pride. They voiced appreciation for Pakistan’s civil and military leadership and emphasized that diplomacy, unity, and strategic patience remain essential for maintaining regional stability.
Participants reaffirmed their confidence in Pakistan’s leadership and reiterated their commitment to contributing to the country’s progress, prosperity, and global standing.
The ceremony concluded with the screening of a documentary on Operation Bunyan‑un‑Marsoos, offering attendees a detailed account of the events and the national response it inspired.
Pakistan News
Delegation of students from the Comité Interuniversitaire des Nations Unies de Paris (CINUP) visited the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris
Paris (Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- A delegation of students from the Comité Interuniversitaire des Nations Unies de Paris (CINUP) visited the Embassy for interactive session with Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.
During the session, the students were given a detailed presentation on Pakistan’s role in multilateral diplomacy, with a particular focus on its engagement with international organizations based in Paris. The presentation was followed by an insightful question-and-answer session.
Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch underscored Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism, international law, and peaceful settlement of disputes. She also briefed them on the constructive role played by Pakistan in advancing the mandate of and championing the priorities of developing countries.
CINUP is a Paris-based student organization that promotes awareness and engagement with the work of the United Nations and multilateral diplomacy.
Pakistan News
THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF MARKA-E-HAQ WITH GREAT ENTHUSIASIM AND FERVOUR CELEBRATE IN PARIS, FRANCE
Paris (Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- The Embassy of Pakistan in Paris held an impressive ceremony to commemorate the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, which was attended by a cross-section of the Pakistani-French diaspora, embassy officials and media representatives.
Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, and the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister were read out on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch recalled Pakistan’s remarkable achievements against Indian aggression and the demonstration of its formidable capabilities in military, diplomatic and narrative fronts. The valiant armed forces of Pakistan delivered a powerful message to the entire world about Pakistan’s strong determination to defend itself against all threats. The Ambassador added that Pakistanis are a courageous, peace-loving nation, which can never be intimated by any aggressor.
The Ambassador also expressed appreciation for Pakistani diplomats around the world for highlighting India’s unprovoked aggression and Pakistan’s abiding commitment to peace and diplomacy. She also noted that Pakistan effectively neutralized Indian propaganda around the war with objective and timely sharing of information. She appreciated the Pakistani and French media for their objective reporting last year and for distinguishing themselves from hysterical reporting by the Indian media.
Ambassador Baloch also condemned India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, which was an assault against Pakistan’s water and food security. This weaponization of water was yet another demonstration of India’s complete disregard for international law.
The Embassy Hall roared with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad,” and “Long Live Pakistan Armed Forces.” The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, stability, and continued prosperity of Pakistan.
Trump in Beijing: A Visit of Powerlessness
The“Shavat–Dashoguz”border trade zone as a new model of regional economic intergration
Berlin event highlights Pakistan’s strategic restraint and national unity
-
Europe News1 year agoChaos and unproven theories surround Tates’ release from Romania
-
American News1 year agoTrump expands exemptions from Canada and Mexico tariffs
-
American News1 year agoTrump Expels Zelensky from the White House
-
Pakistan News11 months agoComprehensive Analysis Report-The Faranian National Conference on Maritime Affairs-By Kashif Firaz Ahmed
-
American News1 year agoZelensky bruised but upbeat after diplomatic whirlwind
-
Art & Culture1 year agoWill Snow White be a ‘victim of its moment’? How the Disney remake became 2025’s most divisive film
-
Entertainment1 year agoChampions Trophy: Pakistan aim to defend coveted title as historic tournament kicks off today
-
Art & Culture1 year agoThe Indian film showing the bride’s ‘humiliation’ in arranged marriage