Iqbal dismisses Indus River canal claims

Says no province can take another's share

KARACHI:

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has dismissed concerns over new canals on the Indus River as baseless, asserting that under the existing water distribution framework, no province can take another's share.

He pointed out that Irsa, comprising representatives from all provinces, ensures strict monitoring of water allocation, leaving no room for reduction or diversion of any province's share.

Speaking at the residences of PML-N leaders Haji Muzafar Shujra and Akhtar Jadoon on Friday, Iqbal, however, stressed the urgent need to expand water reserves to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Commenting on speculation about friction within the PML-N-led ruling coalition, particularly with its key ally PPP, Iqbal rejected claims of internal threats, asserting that the government was stable.

He called for an end to divisive politics, saying, "The political accident of 2018 was no less damaging than the crisis of 1971. Political institutions must work in harmony for Pakistan to progress," referring to the rise of Imran Khan's PTI to power.

The minister lambasted the PTI, accusing it of spreading political instability and undermining the state. "Imran Khan's four years of incompetence brought the country to the brink of disaster. A man who couldn't even manage a union council was entrusted with running a nuclear power," he said.

Iqbal alleged that the PTI was involved in "organised conspiracies" against state institutions and accused the party of damaging the country's reputation internationally. "PTI's international team is working to divert attention from Palestinian issues to its political agenda, providing a bailout to Israel and India," he claimed.

"Imran Khan is not a political prisoner; he is a criminal inmate. His incompetence plunged the country into economic quicksand, and now he seeks executive orders for his release. This is hypocrisy at its peak."

Regarding economic progress under the incumbent government, Ahsan Iqbal said that the government's focus was on building a foundation that will outpace India in development over the next five years.

Iqbal said, "It's time to equip our youth with quality education and skills. Barriers for exporters must be removed. In today's global economy, we must rise to compete."

He noted that remittances have surged by 30% this year and shared that the federal government's flagship Uraan program aims to stabilise the economy.

"Following the Uraan initiative, Pakistan's economy is poised to take off. Global recognition of our economic stability is growing," he claimed.

Iqbal also reported that inflation had dropped to a record low of 1.9%, while the government continues to navigate the country out of dire conditions inherited from the previous administration.

He lauded overseas Pakistanis for their support, noting that they rejected calls to halt remittances and instead played a crucial role in the country's recovery.