The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution against the construction of six new canals on the Indus River and its tributaries, describing the plan as a “direct” violation of the 1991 Water Accord.
“This House demands an immediate halt to any plans, activities, or work related to the construction of the Cholistan Canal and other canals on the Indus River System, until comprehensive discussions, consultations and agreements are held with all provincial governments, particularly Sindh, to ensure that the water rights of Sindh are fully protected and respected,” read the resolution.
It also urged the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to honor the terms of the 1991 accord and ensure that all provinces, especially Sindh, receive their rightful share of water in accordance with the agreed principles of fairness, equity and justice.
The resolution has urged Islamabad to initiate dialogue with all provincial stakeholders to ensure the preservation and protection of Sindh’s water resources in line with the constitutional principles of inter-provincial equity and water justice.
Water rights
Addressing the House after the resolution was tabled, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah maintained that the province has consistently spoken out on water distribution. He warned against any attempts to divert water from the Indus without consent. Stressing that Sindh was reliant on the Indus for its agriculture, he also pointed to the center’s diversion of water from Punjab’s fertile lands to Cholistan, arguing such actions would have devastating consequences for both provinces.
Reiterating that Sindh has always raised its voice against unfair water distribution and will continue to do so, he noted past objections had resulted in the Sindh-Punjab Agreement, which set clear guidelines for water allocation.