PPP demands IRSA chairman's resignation over 'water theft'

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has demanded the resignation of Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Chairman Zafar Mehmood over the controversy surrounding the opening of the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal in Punjab at a time when Sindh is suffering from a chronic water shortage.

PPP's Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro declared in Hyderabad on Thursday that the decision to open the canal is unconstitutional and reflects an utter failure on IRSA's part.

He contended that both the Taunsa and Chashma-Jhelum link canals are flood canals, meant to carry water only during the flood season - unlike the prevailing spell of drought.

"The IRSA chairman should accept his failure to close these canals, which are operating unlawfully, and tender his resignation," he said.

Khuhro argued that the authority has failed to implement the 1991 Water Accord in letter and spirit - stopping the theft of river water and ensuring Sindh receives its rightful share.