Editorial
In a recent press conference, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari emphasized the importance of addressing issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and fair resource allocation, clarifying that these concerns should be debated within the Council of Common Interests (CCI). Established under Article 153 of the Constitution, the CCI serves as a constitutional body tasked with resolving disputes between federating units regarding their rights to natural resources, including water. The body has the authority to either make a decision or recommend the formation of a commission of experts in fields such as irrigation, engineering, and law under the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act of 1956.
Article 154 (3) mandates that the CCI meets at least every 90 days. However, it is concerning that the last meeting was held on January 29, 2024, under an interim government, highlighting a significant lapse in governance. This delay is not unique to the current administration, and it is hoped that this issue will be swiftly addressed.
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The CCI comprises the prime minister, the four provincial chief ministers, and federal ministers, including Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, and Amir Muqaam. This structure ensures that the government has more representation than the opposition, which often means that the government stance tends to prevail in discussions. Despite this, Bilawal stressed the importance of building consensus on these critical issues.
Rana Sanaullah, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs, emphasized that the needs of the federation should take precedence over individual concerns. In light of this, it is hoped that the federal government and Sindh will resolve their differences quickly, whether through private negotiations or a formal CCI meeting.
