The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution opposing the construction of six new canals on the Indus River and its tributaries, including the Cholistan Canal, deeming them unlawful and a direct breach of the 1991 Water Accord.
The resolution called for an immediate halt to all work on these projects until comprehensive discussions are held with all provinces, particularly Sindh, to guarantee its water rights remain protected.
Additionally, the assembly urged the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to enforce the 1991 accord and ensure a fair distribution of water among the provinces.
CM Murad Ali Shah Voices Concerns Over Sindh’s Water Rights
Speaking in the assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reiterated Sindh’s longstanding claim over the Indus River and strongly opposed any diversion of its waters without the province’s consent.
He criticized the decision to divert water from Punjab’s fertile regions to Cholistan, arguing that such a move would be detrimental to both provinces.
Referring to past agreements, including the 1945 Sindh-Punjab Water Accord, CM Shah emphasized that Sindh has repeatedly objected to inequitable water distribution. He pointed out that despite these agreements, Sindh’s share of water has been consistently shrinking, putting its agriculture-dependent population at risk.
He questioned whether Punjab would be willing to let its most productive areas, such as Chaj Doab and Rachna Doab, face water shortages to support irrigation in desert regions. CM Shah firmly stated that Sindh would continue to resist any project that threatens its rightful water share.
With water scarcity becoming an increasing concern, he called for strict compliance with historical agreements to ensure equitable distribution, protecting Sindh’s natural resources and the livelihoods of its people.
