ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s caretaker government has decided to restructure the Indus Waters Treaty Authority (IRSA) by amending its Act 1992 through an ordinance.
The proposed amendments to the Irsa Act of 1992 will empower the government to appoint the chairman of the water regulator.
The Ministry of Water Resources, with support from the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), has submitted a summary to the cabinet committee for the disposal of legislative cases (CCLC), seeking approval for the issuance of the Irsa ordinance.
The potential amendments, if approved, would significantly increase the federal government’s influence in Irsa’s decision-making processes related to water disputes among provinces.
The restructuring proposal, if enacted, would increase the federal government’s representation in Irsa, with the power to appoint the chairman. The proposed chairman, to be appointed by the prime minister, would be a serving or retired federal employee in BPS-21 or above. While the chairman would lack voting rights, concerns arise regarding the potential impact on the body’s independence and national cohesion.
Additionally, the summary suggests the creation of a vice chairman position, to be filled by provincial members on a rotational basis. An independent water experts committee is also proposed to assist the chairman and the Authority on technical matters.
The Irsa, under the potential amendments, would gain powers to address water theft, tampering with water data, and other illegal activities.
