SCBAP rejects Indus canal plan, calls for fair water sharing

Lawyers’ body stresses need for law enforcement and dialogue in conflict-hit regions.

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The Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has strongly opposed the construction of six new canals from the Indus River, warning that the project could intensify inter-provincial tensions and worsen already dire water shortages in Sindh.

In its sixth meeting of the 27th Executive Committee, held at the SCBAP registry branch in Lahore, the committee passed a series of resolutions addressing key national concerns, including water distribution, regional security, and political unrest.

The committee unanimously disapproved of the proposed extraction, calling it a potential flashpoint between Punjab and Sindh.

It urged the government to focus on reducing water wastage rather than building new infrastructure that could disrupt the fragile balance of existing resources.

“Instead of creating six new canals, comprehensive efforts should be made to minimise water wastage,” the committee stated, emphasising that equitable access to water for local farmers, particularly small landholders (harries), must be prioritised.

The committee also called for strict action against long-standing power groups and feuds that have monopolised water usage.

It demanded a nationwide crackdown on individuals and entities involved in water theft, calling such actions a major obstacle to fair distribution.

Turning to internal security, the SCBAP expressed serious concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

While welcoming the recent announcement to end the BNP-Mengal sit-in, the committee stressed that the grievances behind such protests must be addressed through sustained political engagement.

The committee commended the efforts of SCBAP President Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, who has led a political initiative to build national consensus around the challenges in Balochistan.

Members encouraged him to continue holding meetings with key stakeholders to develop long-term solutions.

“While progress has been made, much more remains to be done,” the committee said. “Political negotiations and discussions remain the most viable path to achieving peace and national stability.”

The committee also recognised the role of the federal government and other stakeholders in addressing Balochistan’s concerns, but emphasised that further action is needed to resolve long-standing structural issues through inclusive dialogue.

The SCBAP’s resolutions reflect growing calls within Pakistan’s legal and civil society communities for transparent governance, equitable resource distribution, and political reconciliation in marginalised regions.

Earlier, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued a strong warning to the federal government, stating that the controversial canal projects could endanger the federation’s unity.

He demanded that the federal authorities withdraw the proposed canal initiatives or risk losing PPP's support in the ruling coalition.