PPP wants Indus canal project scrapped
The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) on Saturday once again vehemently opposed the federal government's plan to construct six canals on the Indus River in Punjab, declaring it unacceptable for Sindh.
The party also announced a massive gathering at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh on April 4 to mark the 46th death anniversary of former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
The PPP Sindh Council, chaired by party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the Chief Minister's House, adopted resolutions rejecting the canal project and urging the federal government to respect Sindh's constitutional rights over water distribution.
The party asserted that decisions in the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) were bulldozed due to the federal government's and a single province's dominance, ignoring Sindh's objections.
Bilawal reiterated the party's opposition to any new canals on the Indus River, stressing that the PPP has consistently resisted such projects in the past and will continue to do so.
He asserted that PPP has always been the true representative of Sindh's people and their rights, particularly on water issues.
PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro also strongly condemned the six-canal project, calling it an attempt to deprive Sindh of its rightful water. He demanded the federal government immediately abandon the project and convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address Sindh's concerns.
Meanwhile, CM Murad Ali Shah warned that Sindh would not accept any new canals under the Indus River System. He pointed out that the system already suffered from severe water shortages, questioning how water for the new canals would be sourced.
He reiterated Sindh's demand that water be distributed strictly under Paragraph 2 of the 1991 Water Accord.
PPP General Secretary Waqar Mehdi noted that the party has opposed the canal project since the beginning, even before other political groups like the GDA became aware of it.
He vowed that the PPP would not allow anyone to rob Sindh of its water rights.
Resolutions
During the meeting, the Sindh council passed several resolutions addressing key political and administrative concerns.
The council paid tribute to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on his 46th death anniversary, reaffirming that millions would gather in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh to honour his legacy.
A firm rejection of the proposed six-canal project on the Indus River was expressed, with a clear warning to the federal government that Sindh would not tolerate any such plans.
Stressing the need for adherence to the 1991 Water Accord, the PPP demanded that Sindh receive its rightful share of water under Paragraph 2 of the agreement and called for the release of at least 10 million acre-feet of water downstream to Kotri.
The party also urged strict regulation of the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal and Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal, ensuring they remain operational only during flood seasons.
To enhance transparency, the installation of a telemetry system from Taunsa to Guddu Barrage was proposed to monitor water flows.
The party cautioned that depriving Sindh of its water share could severely impact agriculture, leading to a national food security crisis for which the federal government would be held responsible.
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