Islamabad: The fourth meeting of the Prime Minister’s Committee on Kachhi Canal Phases II and III and the Right Bank Outfall Drain (RBOD) systems took place on Tuesday, aiming to expedite crucial water infrastructure projects in Pakistan. Chaired by Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo, the Federal Minister for Water Resources, the meeting at the Ministry of Water Resources emphasized the government’s commitment to these initiatives.

Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, and the Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) were present, alongside senior officials from the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Division. Representatives from Punjab and Balochistan also attended, underscoring the projects’ inter-provincial relevance. Established on January 24, 2024, the committee aims to push forward the remaining phases of the Kachhi Canal and tackle structural and flood-related issues in Balochistan, including the rehabilitation of the RBOD systems.

The Federal Minister stressed the importance of advancing these projects without delays, recognizing their strategic role in Balochistan’s socio-economic development. Detailed discussions on the project’s technical aspects were held, with both Chief Ministers’ concerns and perspectives taken into account.

A key outcome was the formation of a Joint Technical Group led by the Additional Secretary of Water Resources. This group, including representatives from WAPDA and the Irrigation Departments of Sindh and Balochistan, will address outstanding issues, particularly those raised by Sindh, and recommend solutions. The group is expected to submit its report within three weeks.

Additionally, the meeting resolved to submit a conditional Project Concept-I for Kachhi Canal Phase-II to the Planning Commission. Any changes suggested by the Joint Working Group will be incorporated later in the Project Concept-II.

The Federal Minister described the meeting as a significant step forward, reiterating the project’s importance for Balochistan’s agricultural and economic growth. “There is no room for further delays. Timely execution will unlock economic opportunities for the region,” he stated.