Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Withdraws Controversial IRSA Chairman Appointment

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reversed a contentious decision to appoint a new chairman for the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), following significant backlash from political quarters, including the PPP and the Sindh government.

The decision to appoint Zafar Mahmood, a retired federal secretary, to the chairmanship drew sharp criticism as it bypassed the traditional rotational policy among provinces. Instead, an ordinance issued by the Shehbaz government allowed the PM-appointed chairman to wield considerable authority.

Responding to mounting pressure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rescinded the appointment notification, signaling a retreat from the controversial move. However, there is uncertainty regarding the fate of the IRSA Ordinance 2024, which paved the way for such appointments.

Initially drafted by the caretaker government, the ordinance faced rejection from President Arif Alvi but seemingly became law after designated time frames lapsed, raising procedural questions about its validity.

Sindh Minister Jam Khan Shoro confirmed that the Prime Minister assured the province’s chief minister of reversing Mahmood’s appointment notification. However, the broader implications of the ordinance remain unresolved.

The issue reverberated in the National Assembly, with PPP’s Naveed Qamar condemning the unilateral decision and highlighting its legal and constitutional ramifications. Qamar emphasized the need for adherence to the law, constitution, and provincial rights, urging an immediate withdrawal of the appointment.

Under the controversial ordinance, the appointed chairman would possess significant autonomy in leading IRSA, raising concerns about the balance of power within the organization and its implications for provincial interests.

As Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif navigates the fallout from this decision reversal, questions linger about the government’s adherence to legal frameworks and provincial autonomy, underscoring the broader challenges facing Pakistan’s federative structure.