The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the construction of six new canals on the Indus River, including the Cholistan Canal, calling them illegal and a violation of the 1991 Water Accord.
The resolution urged the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to halt any plans or activities related to these projects until all provinces, particularly Sindh, are consulted to ensure their water rights are protected.
“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,” the resolution stated. It also called for a dialogue between provincial stakeholders to ensure inter-provincial water justice.
CM Shah raises water rights concerns
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed Sindh’s historical rights over the Indus and warned against diverting its waters without consent.
“Sindh’s people have a rightful claim over these rivers,” he said, stressing that water cannot be taken without the agreement of those who have relied on it for centuries.
He criticised the diversion of water from Punjab’s fertile lands to Cholistan, arguing that it would have severe consequences for both provinces. “Will Punjab allow its most productive regions, like Chaj Doab and Rachna Doab, to dry up just to irrigate a desert?” he questioned.
The CM also cited previous agreements, including the Sindh-Punjab Water Accord of 1945, which allocated a fixed share to Punjab while ensuring excess water flowed to Sindh.
With growing concerns over water scarcity, Shah urged all stakeholders to adhere to historic agreements and ensure fair distribution to safeguard Sindh’s water resources.
