KARACHI:
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has dismissed concerns over new canals on the Indus River as baseless, saying that under the current water distribution framework, no province can take another’s share.
He stressed that Irsa, composed of representatives from all provinces, ensures strict control of water allocation, leaving no room for reduction or diversion on the part of any province.
Speaking outside 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 meet the challenges posed by climate change.
Commenting on speculation about friction within the PML-N-led ruling coalition, particularly with its key ally the PPP, Iqbal dismissed allegations of internal threats, saying the government was stable.
He called for an end to political divisions, 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 to power of Imran Khan’s PTI.
The minister lashed out at the PTI, accusing it of spreading political instability and undermining the state. “Imran Khan’s four years of incompetence have brought the country to the brink of disaster. A man who could not even lead a union council was given the management of a nuclear power plant,” he said. declared.
Iqbal claimed that the PTI was involved in “organized conspiracies” against state institutions and accused the party of damaging the country’s reputation in the international arena. “The PTI international team is working to divert attention from Palestinian issues to its political agenda, providing a bailout to Israel and India,” he asserted.
“Imran Khan is not a political prisoner; he is a criminal detainee. His incompetence has plunged the country into economic quicksand, and now he is seeking executive orders for his release. This is hypocrisy at its finest. “
Regarding the economic progress under the current government, Ahsan Iqbal said the government’s aim was to build a base that will overtake India in terms of development in the next five years.
Iqbal said: “It is 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 increased by 30 percent this year and said the federal government’s flagship program, Uraan, aims to stabilize the economy.
“Thanks to the Uraan initiative, Pakistan’s economy is set to take off. There is growing global recognition of our economic stability,” he said.
Iqbal also said inflation had fallen to a record low of 1.9%, as the government continued to lead the country out of the dire conditions inherited from the previous administration.
He praised overseas Pakistanis for their support, noting that they rejected calls to stop remittances and instead played a crucial role in the country’s recovery.
