ISLAMABAD: Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said on Thursday that India cannot completely stop the flow of water, though it may resort to mischief in its release.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Iqbal said: “India has used water as a weapon. India is well aware that it would have to face consequences if it blocks water.”
“Within the next three years, we will be in a position to store seven million acre-feet of water,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, speaking about increased salaries of the Senate chairman and National Assembly speaker, Iqbal said: “A federal minister’s salary is Rs200,000, whereas a secretary receives Rs600,000. Any increase in the salaries of the Senate chairman, NA speaker or the lawmakers must be assessed realistically.”
“In several departments, subordinates are drawing higher salaries than their heads,” Iqbal said.
Criticising PTI, he said, “The Pakistani nation is no longer fooled. People have stopped believing in PTI’s claims.”
He also accused PTI of aligning with anti-state narratives, claiming that, “India is making statements against Pakistan’s military, and on the other hand, PTI is echoing the same tone. PTI is acting like India’s proxy.”
He alleged that PTI is even calling for protests during Field Marshal Asim Munir’s foreign visits.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed that this is a critical moment for Pakistan and urged all stakeholders to act responsibly, warning that there is no room for political chaos during the country’s economic recovery.
