The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution, expressing strong opposition to the construction of new canals on the Indus River.
The resolution, tabled by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, stresses that the Indus River is the cornerstone of Sindh's economy and agriculture, providing essential water to millions of people. It also stresses the importance of the 1991 Water Accord, which ensures equitable water distribution among the provinces, and prohibits the construction of new canals.
The resolution outlines concerns that the proposed construction of six new canals will further exacerbate water scarcity in Sindh, negatively impacting agriculture, the economy, and the environment. The tail-end of Sindh, particularly the Indus Delta, is already grappling with severe water shortages, and the resolution calls for immediate intervention by the federal government to halt the project.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a postponement of regular business to allow for an in-depth discussion on the matter. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed satisfaction with the support garnered for the resolution, saying that both Jamaat-e-Islami and PTI had backed the motion. He also stressed the unity of all parties in defending Sindh's interests, warning that water scarcity would severely affect Karachi, if left unchecked. Sharjeel further highlighted Sindh's historic opposition to the Kalabagh Dam, which had ultimately been abandoned.
PPP MPA Ziaul Hassan Naqvi reaffirmed that his party, whether in power or opposition, has consistently advocated for Sindh's water rights. He quoted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's statement stressing that there can be no compromise on water distribution, which should follow the 1991 Water Accord.
Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi raised concerns about the necessity of the resolution, questioning whether sufficient attention had been given to discussing Sindh's issues with the federal government, particularly regarding the gas issue.
Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro reiterated that the people of Sindh are highly sensitive about water distribution and that the PPP has played a pivotal role in addressing these concerns. He recalled how Benazir Bhutto had led a sit-in against the Kalabagh Dam project and how previous PPP leaders had opposed the Greater Thal Canal project.
PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro heaped praise on the chief minister for presenting the resolution and pointed out that those now vocally opposing such projects had been part of the government when the Greater Thal Canal project was proposed. He stressed that Sindh has always opposed such initiatives, arguing that constructing these canals would harm Pakistan's broader interests.
Minister for Agriculture Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Meher also expressed concern over past violations of Sindh's water rights and reaffirmed PPP's commitment to safeguarding Sindh's interests. PPP's Nadir Magsi questioned who stood to benefit from the canal project, suggesting that its construction would devastate Sindh and Balochistan.
Former Sindh Assembly speaker Agha Siraj Durrani urged the federal government to reconsider the project, citing the widespread protests in Sindh against the canals. Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho declared that the people of Sindh would not compromise on their water rights, even if it meant making the ultimate sacrifice.
MQM-P MPA Sabir Qaimkhani said that the people of Sindh have the undisputed right to the water of the Indus River. He called for greater consultation with Sindh on major decisions and added that work on some canals had already commenced, prompting the resolution to safeguard the province's interests.
PTI's Bilal Jatoi expressed strong support for the resolution, reiterating the party's opposition to any conspiracies against Sindh. He questioned why PPP had not taken the resolution to the National Assembly and noted that rural Sindh had been protesting water issues for a month.
Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah conveyed that the Indus River is a symbol of life for the people of Sindh, and he called for protecting the province's water rights, cautioning against policies that could harm Sindh's agricultural landscape.
Later, the assembly session was adjourned until Friday at 2.30pm.
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