He said the appointment of additional member from Sindh was not covered under the IRSA Act, 1992 as each province can nominate one member IRSA. The Chief Executive Order of 2000 granting Sindh the favour of nominating the federal member in addition to the one already appointed by it was unauthorized and illegal as the IRSA Act is not accordingly amended in the light of martial law era executive order, a press release issued on Wednesday said.

Moreover, this order has already been suspended by the Supreme Court who allowed the federal government to nominate its own member on IRSA to ensure neutrality and credibility of the regulatory authority. He also maintained that Punjab had reservations on the presence of two members from Sindh at IRSA while none represented the federal government/ federation.

The minister further informed that the Prime Minister has already considered the request of the Sindh chief minister on the issue and directed him to fill the post of federal member IRSA strictly in line with the stipulation of the IRSA Act for which the ministry has started the process of nomination as per law.

Vawda said he was open for lawful suggestions but not for dictation. He further added that both the act and the judgment of the Supreme Court clearly empower the federal government in this regard and will accordingly exercise its legal authority.

He also expressed his resolve that Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Water Resources will always uphold the law and abide by the acts of the Parliament instead of political expediency.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019