Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing new dams and water reservoirs in Pakistan but stressed that all projects would be finalized in consultation with the provinces to ensure consensus and fairness.

📌 Key Points from PM’s Statement

The government is prioritizing water security in the wake of recurring floods and looming water scarcity.
Provinces will be taken on board at every stage, from planning to execution, to avoid disputes over water distribution.
Urgent measures are needed to prevent devastating riverine floods and to store water for agriculture and power generation.

🏞️ Why This Matters

Pakistan loses a significant portion of river water annually due to lack of reservoirs.
Recent floods have underscored the urgent need for large and small dams to manage both floodwaters and drought periods.
Dams could also boost hydropower generation, reducing reliance on expensive imported fuel.

🤝 Federal-Provincial Coordination

PM assured that Council of Common Interests (CCI) and Indus River System Authority (IRSA) will play a central role in decision-making.
Provinces will have representation in all committees related to dam construction.

⚠️ Background
The statement comes as Pakistan reels from catastrophic flooding, which has displaced thousands and destroyed crops. Experts have repeatedly urged long-term investments in water infrastructure.