Government faces backlash over Irsa chairman appointment, withdraws controversial notification of Zafar Mahmood amid PPP opposition

By Naveed Siddiqui
ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic turn of events, the government faced significant opposition and ultimately withdrew its appointment of a former federal secretary Zafar Mahmood as the chairman of the Indus River System Authority (Irsa). The decision came after strong objections from various political quarters, particularly the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah and other provincial lawmakers.
The controversy ignited when Sindh MPA Maleeha Manzoor shared a notification indicating the withdrawal of the appointment orders, which were initially met with fervent opposition in the National Assembly session. PPP MNA Syed Naveed Qamar vehemently criticized the appointment, denouncing it as illegal and unconstitutional.
The appointment of Zafar Mahmood, a retired BS-22 federal government officer and former Chairman Wapda, stirred uproar not only among opposition parties but also within the ruling coalition. The Awami Tehreek, Grand Democratic Alliance, Sindh Taraqqi-pasand Party, and Jeay Sindh Mahaz-Riaz all voiced their objections, branding the appointment as unconstitutional, illegal, and immoral.
Amid mounting pressure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah of withdrawing the controversial notification. CM Shah emphasized the importance of adhering to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) guidelines, advocating for the appointment of Irsa’s chairman from a rotation of provincial cabinet members.
The crux of the matter lay in the contentious Irsa Amendment Ordinance 2024, which had been returned with reservations by then-president Arif Alvi to then-caretaker PM Anwaarul Haq Kakar. The ordinance, aimed at delegating the authority to appoint the chairman to the prime minister, faced staunch opposition from various stakeholders.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Sindh Chamber of Agriculture (SCA) vehemently rejected the proposed amendment, labeling it unconstitutional, illegal, and unethical. The SCA urged the president and the federal government to intervene, highlighting the overreach of the caretaker government in proposing such amendments without due process.
In light of the widespread outcry and mounting pressure from various quarters, the government was left with little choice but to backtrack on its decision, signaling a victory for those who stood against what they deemed as a blatant disregard for constitutional norms and principles. Sources revealed that former bureaucrat Zafar Mahmood being the Chairman Wapda, hand been a staunch supporter of KalaBagh Dam that irked Sindh especially the PPP.