Former Finance Minister and leader of the Pakistan Awami Party (PAP), Miftah Ismail, has cautioned against addressing the sensitive issue of water distribution among provinces through executive orders, urging instead for a consensus among stakeholders.
During a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club on Sunday night, Ismail criticized the federal government’s plans to amend the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act despite opposition from Sindh, calling it an injustice to the province. He was referring to the government’s proposal to construct six new canals in Punjab to draw water from the Indus River. The Sindh government, along with Sindhi nationalist parties and other stakeholders, has opposed this project, with the provincial assembly passing a resolution against it and protests taking place.
Ismail emphasized the importance of water as a vital resource, recalling that the 1991 Water Accord and the Water Policy during Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s tenure as Prime Minister were established with the consent of all provinces, ensuring no province faced injustice.
He expressed concern that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government might attempt to enact an ordinance regarding water distribution quietly, similar to how the 26th constitutional amendment was passed. Ismail, who previously served as finance minister under the PML-N, criticized the party for undermining the judiciary’s independence through recent amendments.
On the topic of International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending programs, Ismail blamed the government for avoiding genuine economic reforms that could help eliminate the need for stringent IMF bailouts. He argued that simply increasing direct taxes each year is not a viable solution.
He also accused the government of imposing taxes without considering their impact on ordinary citizens already burdened by inflation. “Everything except graveyards has been taxed,” he remarked.
Ismail pointed out that the government has allowed various service sectors to decline, highlighting that internet companies are now competing with electricity and gas distribution firms. He noted that the PML-N has strayed from the progressive path it started in 2007-08.
“The PML-N always advocated for respecting votes. But is that stance still true today?” he questioned. Ismail announced that his party is organizing itself to seek public support in the upcoming elections.
