Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday retracted a notification issued the previous day to appoint a new chairman for the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) after facing criticism from coalition partners.
In an earlier statement, the Prime Minister announced the appointment of a retired BS-22 federal government officer as Chairman of IRSA from a list provided in a summary. However, in response to opposition from the PPP and the Sindh government, the PM withdrew the notification.
Traditionally, the position of the Authority’s chairman rotates between provinces. However, the Shehbaz government utilized an ordinance to appoint Zafar Mahmood, a retired federal secretary, to the post. The new ordinance shifts the rotational policy to the vice-chairman, while the chairman appointed by the PM holds decisive authority.
Although the notification for Zafar’s appointment was withdrawn, it remains uncertain whether the Shehbaz government will retract the IRA ordinance 2024 that facilitated the appointment. The ordinance, initially rejected by President Arif Alvi, eventually passed into law after the designated time period.
Sindh Minister Jam Khan Shoro stated on Thursday that the PM assured the province’s chief minister that Mahmood’s appointment notification would be rescinded.
