Balochistan, Sindh unite against amendments

Irrigation ministers of both provinces say move against provincial autonomy

QUETTA:

In a strong show of provincial unity, the irrigation ministers of Sindh and Balochistan jointly rejected the proposed amendment to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act, calling the move as a violation of provincial autonomy and the Constitution.

During a press conference held in Quetta, Sindh Irrigation Ministers Jam Khan Shoro and his counterpart in Balochistan, Sadiq Umrani, condemned the proposed changes, declaring them an attack on the water rights of both provinces.

The press conference followed a meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti in Quetta, where the water-sharing dispute between Sindh, Balochistan, and the federal government was a central issue.

The ministers highlighted how changes to the IRSA Act would impact the provinces, with Shoro noting, "Sindh has not been receiving water according to the IRSA Act, and this shortage has also affected Balochistan."

The IRSA Act of 1992 governs the distribution of water between provinces under the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991. Both ministers argued that any amendment would negate the federal democratic structure, weaken provincial autonomy, and undermine the spirit of the 18th Amendment. Minister Umrani emphasised that the proposed amendment is a direct attack on provincial rights. Provinces are the owners of their own water, and any changes to the act would erode this basic principle."

Historically, WAPDA was responsible for water distribution, but the provinces have long objected to this arrangement, claiming it did not meet their water needs. With the recent push to amend the IRSA Act, the tension between the provinces and the federal government has escalated.

The Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution a day earlier, rejecting the amendment, and the Balochistan Assembly is expected to follow suit.

"Bringing such proposals is part of democratic governance, but this one directly contradicts the Constitution. We will not accept any move that diminishes our provincial rights," Jam Khan Shoro asserted.

Both Sindh and Balochistan have urged the federal government to abandon the proposed amendment and instead focus on ensuring that water distribution remains fair, and in line with the original agreements.

Meanwhile, the provincial chairman of the Qaumi Watan Party, Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao, has rejected the proposed amendments to the IRSA (Indus River System Authority) Act, also calling them an attack on provincial autonomy and provincial rights.

In a press release issued from Watan Kor, Peshawar, he stated that the proposed amendment contradicts the spirit of the federation, the Constitution, and democracy. He emphasised that the province is already not receiving its fair share of water, and the new amendment, along with the appointment of a Grade 22 officer by the federal government, will only exacerbate the issue.

Sherpao highlighted that even the 1991 water distribution agreement failed to provide the province with its rightful share. He expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendment, stating that it poses a threat to the federation. He criticised the federal government for delaying the granting of rights to the provinces, while simultaneously conspiring to undermine provincial autonomy.

Sherpao also criticised the provincial government, accusing provincial leaders of failing to raise their voice for the rights of the province. He claimed that due to the incompetence and lack of seriousness of the rulers, who have been in power for 11 years, the province has been plunged into backwardness. He the provincial government had abandoned the province and its people from its priorities, focusing entirely on PTI rallies and processions.

*WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT IN PESHAWAR