In a pivotal meeting on Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the construction of new dams in Pakistan will proceed with the consensus of all provinces, amid escalating tensions over water resources.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of collaboration among the Federal Government and provincial units to expedite the creation of undisputed reservoirs, ensuring water security for the nation.

The Prime Minister criticized India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, labeling it an act of water aggression. He vowed that Pakistan will counter this move based on resolutions from the National Security Committee meeting held in April, expressing confidence in the country”s ability to stand firm.

The meeting saw leaders from all four provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir unite in condemning India”s actions and pledging support to the Federal Government. In a show of solidarity, the officials promised to secure water resources with the strength of “Bunyan-um-Marsoos.”

To streamline efforts, Prime Minister Sharif appointed Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to head a committee tasked with evaluating funding strategies for dam construction. This body, comprising provincial leaders and federal ministers, is expected to deliver its recommendations within 72 hours.

Progress on existing projects was also reviewed, with updates that the Diamer-Bhasha Dam is set for completion by 2032, and the Mohmand Dam by 2027. Currently, Pakistan has eleven dams with a storage capacity of 15.318 million acre-feet, while additional projects are underway under various development programs.

The high-level meeting included key figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, among others. Their presence underscored the critical and collaborative approach being adopted to address the country”s pressing water challenges.