Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has dismissed concerns over new canals on the Indus River as baseless, arguing that under the existing water-sharing framework, no province can take another’s share.

He pointed out that Irsa, made up of representatives from all provinces, ensures strict monitoring of water allocation, leaving no room for reducing or diverting any province’s share.

Speaking at the home of PML-N leaders Haji Muzafar Shujra and Akhtar Jadoon on Friday, Iqbal however stressed the urgent need to expand water reserves to address the challenges of climate change.

Commenting on speculation of friction within the PML-N-led ruling coalition, particularly with its key ally the PPP, Iqbal dismissed allegations of internal threats and maintained that the government was stable.

Calling for an end to divisive politics, he said: “The political calamity of 2018 was no less damaging than the crisis of 1971. Political institutions must work in harmony for Pakistan to progress,” referring to the rise of Imran Khan’s PTI to power.

The minister blamed the PTI and accused it of spreading political instability and undermining the state. “Imran Khan’s four years of incompetence brought the country to the brink of disaster. A man who could not even manage a trade union council was entrusted to run a nuclear power,” he said.

Iqbal alleged that the PTI was involved in “organized conspiracies” against state institutions and accused the party of damaging the country’s reputation internationally. “PTI’s international team is working to divert attention from Palestinian issues to its political agenda, providing a bailout to Israel and India,” he claimed.

“Imran Khan is not a political prisoner; he is a criminal prisoner. His incompetence plunged the country into economic quicksand, and now he is seeking executive orders for his release. This is hypocrisy at its height.”

Regarding economic progress under the incumbent government, Ahsan Iqbal said the government’s focus was on building a foundation that will surpass India in development over the next five years.

Iqbal said: “It is time to equip our youth with quality education and skills. Barriers for exporters must be removed. In today’s global economy, we must rise to compete.”

He noted that remittances have increased by 30% this year and shared that the federal government’s flagship Uraan program aims to stabilize the economy.

“After the Uraan initiative, Pakistan’s economy is poised to take off. Global recognition of our economic stability is growing,” he asserted.

Iqbal also reported that inflation had fallen to a record low of 1.9% as the government continues to navigate the country out of the harsh conditions inherited from the previous administration.

He praised overseas Pakistanis for their support, noting that they rejected calls to halt remittances and instead played a vital role in the country’s recovery.