ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Federal Minister for Planning, Ahsan Iqbal, stated on Saturday that the government would focus on the early completion of all hydro-related projects, including the Diamer Bhasha Dam to stop India from benefiting.
In a meeting with a delegation led by the Secretary General Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), Engr. Ameer Zameer, the federal minister, stated that due to India’s water hostility, development projects will be given top priority.
In response for pahlgam attack April, in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) Pahalgam, which India has ascribed to Islamabad, India is ready to significantly increase the volume of water taken from a major river supplying farms in Pakistan downstream, according to four persons familiar with the developments.
Due to the Pahlgam attack, New Delhi “put in abeyance” its membership in the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. However, Pakistan has repeatedly denied involvement, but the agreement has not been restored despite both nuclear-armed neighbors agreeing to a ceasefire earlier this month.
The minister also noted that particular initiatives will be given financial support and priority for development aimed at long-term water security.
Additionally, Ahsan Iqbal stated that to guarantee long-term water security, projects of such kind would be given funding on priority basis.
Last week, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that Pakistan would not receive water from rivers over which India has authority; however, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhary dismissed the comments as an insane concept.
The spokesman for the armed forces stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that it was unrealistic to cut off water for 240 million people and that only a lunatic would believe India could halt Pakistan’s water.
Moreover, Iqbal emphasized that there is no IMF pressure on the budget 2025-26. He reiterated that the administration is dedicated to providing relief to the people and that there is no IMF pressure on the budget.
He also remarked that the security circumstances call for an increase in the defence budget and unveiled a paid internship plan for young engineers.
The planning minister assured the engineers that their demands would be reflected in the next budget and noted with pleasure the IMF’s approval of the government’s economic strategies.
Concerning political issues, he claimed the nation stayed together after the recent military victory against India. He lambasted the PTI founder, claiming Imran has not positively responded to Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s honors for outstanding leadership.
Ahsan Iqbal ended the meeting by saying the administration would avoid any action damaging national unity or cohesiveness.
