PM will retract the notification of IRSA Chairman, claims minister

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has agreed to retract the notification appointing Zafar Mahmood as the Chairman of the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), following concerns raised by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

It is widely believed that Zafar Mahmood, the newly appointed IRSA chairman, has been an outspoken supporter of Kalabagh Dam, dismissing the concerns of the provinces like Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. His appointment has raised objections, not only from the public but also from writers, civil society members, and even leaders within the ruling PPP.

PM appoints IRSA chairman despite provinces’ objection

According to Sindh Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, the Chief Minister had contacted the Prime Minister to express the concern that the appointment should be based on a rotation basis among the provinces.

The Prime Minister reportedly acknowledged the concerns of the Chief Minister and assured him that the notification would be withdrawn.

It is worth noting that the IRSA is responsible for the regulation and distribution of water resources in Pakistan, and the Chairman of the authority holds a crucial position that affects the lives of millions of people across the country.