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Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
IRSA reaffirms water distribution
The Indus River System Authority (Irsa) on Wednesday reiterated its decisions regarding water distribution among provinces, stressing that the water apportionment was strictly in accordance with the 1991 Accord. A high-level Irsa meeting chaired by its chairman reviewed the water allocations as well as the letters received from Sindh and Punjab. Sindh had raised serious objections to the water withdrawal from Taunsa-Panjnad (TP) Link Canal. The Sindh government had written a letter to Irsa against the opening of the TP canal, on Wednesday. The government wrote another letter to the regulator, saying that despites its complaint, the water withdrawal had been increased. An Irsa spokesperson said in a press release that the meeting reviewed the distribution of water and the letters of Punjab and Sindh provinces. "Irsa expressed full confidence in all its decisions related to water distribution," the spokesperson said. The spokesperson also stated that Irsa "is taking all decisions in accordance with Water Apportionment Accord 1991 and IRSA Act XXII 1992 as per law", adding that the authority reposed full confidence in all its members and chairman. In Karachi, the Sindh government said that another protest letter to the Federation and Irsa had been sent after the withdrawal of water from Indus river system through the TP canal had been increased despite the province's serious objections. Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro said that 3,800 cusecs of water was being taken through the TP canal, adding that Punjab was given water from the Indus river, rather than from the Jhelum-Chenab zone. "There is no water for cotton and rice crops in Sindh." And, talking to the media persons at the Dow University of Health Sciences, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah severely criticised the Punjab government for opening the TP Link Canal, despite Sindh's objections. "We are currently facing a 50% water shortage. In such a situation, opening the TP Link Canal is a highly irresponsible move. With this Punjab has weakened its own case on the Indus canals, while Sindh's position got stronger," Shah stated. Meanwhile, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that the representatives of the two provinces should sit together to sort out the canals and other issues. "I don't think there will be any problem if we sit down together," the speaker said.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
SHC issues stay on IRSA's water availability certificate for canals project
Listen to article The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued a stay order halting the construction of canals following a challenge to the water availability certificate issued by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), Express News reported on Monday. The court was hearing a petition questioning the legality of the certificate, which is required for canal construction projects. The bench has sought a detailed response from the federal government by April 18. The IRSA had earlier approved the water supply for the Cholistan Canal System project, issuing a certificate that allowed the Punjab government to construct the canal, which branches from the Sutlej River at Sulemanki headworks. However, this move has been contested by Sindh, which has termed it "unfair." Meanwhile, in a statement today, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro called the court's order a historic decision. He reiterated the provincial government's demand to appoint a proper Sindh representative to IRSA and cancel the canal projects. The canal issue has sparked strong political reactions in Sindh, where local leaders argue that the province's rights over water are being bypassed. Protests have erupted across Sindh in recent weeks as opposition to the federal government's proposed construction of new canals on the Indus River intensifies. Civil society groups, farmers, and political activists have taken to the streets, warning that the controversial projects could deepen water scarcity in the lower riparian province. The demonstrations have been fuelled by fears that the planned canals—including the Cholistan Canal—would deprive Sindh of its fair share of water, in violation of the 1991 Water Accord. Responding to growing public pressure, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution in March rejecting the construction of six new canals on the Indus. The resolution termed the projects illegal and called on the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to immediately halt any related activities. It further demanded that all provinces, particularly Sindh, be consulted before any such developments, to ensure that their constitutional water rights are upheld. Reinforcing the province's stance, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a strong rebuke to the federal government during a rally in Larkana. He warned the Centre to 'back off' from the canal projects, calling them a threat to national unity and Sindh's livelihood. Bilawal reminded the crowd of his party's historical opposition to similar projects, including the Kalabagh Dam, and reiterated the PPP's commitment to water justice and inter-provincial harmony.
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
WB team briefed on flood victims' housing scheme
World Bank executive directors and Sindh government officials and ministers discuss Sindh People's Housing for Flood-Affected. Photo: express The executive directors of the World Bank (WB) visited Pakistan for the first time in two decades and attended a presentation on the Sindh People's Housing for Flood-Affected (SPHF) programme, under which 900,000 housing units are under construction. The meeting was held at CM House on Friday. It was attended by Provincial Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, and concerned provincial secretaries. The 25-member delegation was led by Executive Directors (EDs) from various countries, including Beatrice Maser (Switzerland), Robert Nicholl (Australia), Terea Solbes (Spain), Zainab Ahmaed (Nigeria), Abdelhak Bedjaoui (Algeria), Lonkhulueko Magagula (Eswatini), Marlene Nzengou (central African Republic), Tauqir Shah (Pakistan), and Paul Bonmartin (France). Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, Minister of Planning and Development Nasir Shah, and the Chief Secretary gave a briefing on the housing project to accommodate flood-hit individuals. Sharjeel said 900,000 houses currently under construction in Sindh is the largest housing initiative in the world. SPHF CEO Khalid Mehmood Shaikh highlighted the project's impact in providing sustainable housing solutions for flood victims.
