Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday announced plans to expand country's water storage capacity in consultation with all the provinces, emphasising that Pakistan's response to India's provocations, especially regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), would "be more strategic and collaborative".
Addressing a representative Jirga in Peshawar, the prime minister said that Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) had been receiving 1% share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) since 2010 to fight terrorism, adding that the funding would continue until complete elimination of the menace.
The prime minister began his speech with paying tribute to the K-P people for their patriotism and bravery in the fight against terrorism. He told the Jirga he had come to Peshawar to listen to the public grievances and to resolve them.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to securing its water rights under the IWT. He called for urgent measures to enhance the country's water infrastructure to ensure that the rights of the provinces were safeguarded.
He said that India could not deprive Pakistan of its rightful share of water or suspend the IWT unilaterally. Pakistan has the right to every drop under the treaty," he declared. "Now, we will take steps to store water in the country to counter India's threats," he said.
He called for expanding the existing water storage capacity and accelerating work on major projects, such as Diamer-Bhasha and Dasu dams. "A decision on water issue will be taken by inviting all provinces for discussions on how to increase water reserves, so that India's malicious designs are buried," he said.
NFC Award
Shehbaz said that K-P Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had spoken about reviewing the NFC award. He announced that he would form a committee on K-P's share in the NFC award and the province's issues would be resolved in collaboration with the provincial government, and military officials.
The prime minister told the Jirga that more than Rs700 billion funds had been given to K-P during different periods. "The first agenda item of the NFC Award in 2010 was anti-terrorism efforts in K-P," Shehbaz recalled. "All provinces fully agreed to giving 1% to K-P for the fight against terrorism," he added.
"That decision was just and appropriate, as K-P has remained the frontline province in the war against terrorism," he said. "These funds were released to strengthen police force, develop CTD [Counter-Terrorism Department], and enhance the capacity of law-enforcement agencies," he added.
"K-P will continue to receive funds until the complete elimination of terrorism," he added. However, he noted that Balochistan, despite facing similar security challenges, had not received that much financial support under the NFC - an issue he suggested might needed reassessment.
Escalation with India
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that the Pakistani Armed Force had taught an unforgettable lesson to India in the recent May 7-10 confrontation and warned New Delhi that any repeat of aggression would invite a strong and uncompromising response from Islamabad.
Shehbaz said the enemy's ambush in the night between May 6 and 7 killed and injured innocent Pakistanis. "[In response] What the Pakistan Army taught India under the leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir is a lesson they will never forget," he said.
"[Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi's government is licking its wounds after a crushing defeat and it is in an angry and hysterical state. Sometimes they threaten to shoot, other times to cut our water off. If India makes any move again, they will be taught the same lesson."
The prime minister termed K-P a vital province that has historically supported Pakistan and promised to address the concerns of its people. "They have rendered sacrifices that history will never forget. Whenever Pakistan was in need, you put aside all differences and stood united for Pakistan," he said.
The Jirga was attended by Field Marshal Asim Munir, K-P Chief Minister Gandapur, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and other political and military leaders as well as tribal elders. Earlier, the participants offered Fateha for both civilian and military personnel who have laid down their lives for the nation.
Self-reliance
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a high-level meeting on the construction of Diamer-Bhasha Dam and other matters related to water resources in Islamabad. He said that building new dams was crucial to enhance water storage capacity, ensure water supply for agriculture, and prevent floods.
He said that the country's self-reliance was linked to affordable electricity, and its agriculture, which required increased water storage and efficient water usage. He directed for prioritising the completion of projects like Diamer-Bhasha Dam to establish an effective system for energy production and abundant water storage.
(WITH INPUT FROM APP)
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