Tensions over water resources in Pakistan are intensifying, particularly between the Sindh and Punjab governments regarding controversial canal projects.

Sindh’s Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah, has firmly opposed these initiatives, claiming they undermine the province’s interests, while Punjab’s Information Minister, Azma Bukhari, has responded forcefully to his remarks.

Murad Ali Shah emphasized that the federal government has been repeatedly urged to abandon the disputed canal projects, noting that actual work on these initiatives has been minimal, with significant activity limited to July. He cautioned against misleading the people of Sindh.

He urged those protesting the canal projects to express their concerns without causing public disruption and assured that the canals would not be built. He stated that if the situation worsened, he would take the lead in protests.

Shah pointed out that the Sindh government has raised the issue with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), where it currently remains stalled.

He commended the legal community’s efforts, stating that the people and government of Sindh are united in their opposition to the canal projects.

He also highlighted concerns from Punjab’s farmers regarding wheat production in the upcoming year.

He noted that wheat yields in China average between 60 and 65 maunds per acre, underscoring the need for technological advancements to improve wheat production.

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In response, Azma Bukhari criticized Murad Ali Shah’s comments, questioning his concern for Punjab’s farmers over those in Sindh and asking if there were no farmers in Sindh.

She pointed out that the Sindh government had not set wheat prices or purchased wheat from local farmers.

Bukhari asserted that Maryam Nawaz is advocating for Punjab’s farmers, having introduced a historic Rs110 billion package. She also mentioned various support initiatives from the Punjab government, including farmers’ cards, green tractors, and a 15 billion rupee package for wheat.

Demand for CCI Meeting

Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Information, Sharjeel Inam Memon, addressed a significant press conference in Karachi, outlining the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) position on the controversial canal projects.

Joined by key PPP figures Nasser Hussain Shah and Aajiz Dhamra, Memon stated that the focus of the conference was the disputed canals.

He reiterated that the PPP has consistently maintained a clear stance on this issue and has not wavered. Memon refuted claims that the party only became active after protests, labeling such assertions as false and malicious.

He explained that the Sindh government’s objections are officially documented, and a summary regarding the matter was sent to the federal government after being signed by the Chief Minister on June 3.

This summary called for the issue to be presented to the CCI, which must convene a meeting within 90 days.

Memon called on the federal government to promptly schedule a CCI meeting to formally record Sindh’s position, stating, “We do not have new water resources; we are firmly opposed to the construction of disputed canals.”

He added that the Prime Minister had addressed the matter in a joint session, indicating the federal government’s desire for a resolution.

Memon emphasized that if water is to be drawn from any province, its farmers must be consulted first, questioning whether the Punjab government would give its farmers’ water to others.

He pointed out that while Punjab has ample sweet groundwater, many areas in Sindh suffer from saline water unsuitable for agriculture.

Ongoing Protests by the PPP

PPP leader Aajiz Dhamra expressed that the party has consistently voiced its opposition to the disputed canals at the parliamentary level and stands in solidarity with public protests. However, he lamented that social media often criticizes the PPP more than the canal issue itself, which he deemed unfair.

Nasser Hussain Shah on ARSA Data

Former Local Government Minister Nasser Hussain Shah maintained that the PPP’s position has been clear from the start.

He claimed that the data provided by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) was maliciously intended and based on flawed assumptions.

He called for the federal government to make a transparent and fair decision on the matter.

Commitment to Advocacy

During the press conference, the three leaders reiterated their commitment to advocating for the rights of Sindh’s farmers at every forum.

They urged the federal government to engage all stakeholders in discussions and to avoid making decisions that could harm any single province.