January 23, 2025
2 mins read

Lawmakers clash over Indus water sharing plan in Pak senate 

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Vice President Sherry Rehman criticised the proposal to construct six new canals without consulting relevant stakeholders…reports Asian Lite News

The Pakistan government’s plan to divert water from the Indus River for corporate farming sparked intense debate in the Senate on Tuesday, with lawmakers from various parties urging the matter to be resolved at the Council of Common Interests (CCI), according to Dawn. 

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Vice President Sherry Rehman criticised the proposal to construct six new canals without consulting relevant stakeholders. She expressed concerns over the potential water scarcity it could cause in Sindh, warning that it could displace millions and devastate agricultural productivity. Rehman demanded that the government address the issue at the CCI, noting the body hadn’t met for 11 months. 

Rehman also accused the federal government of violating Sindh’s rights and pointed out the province’s vulnerability due to the Indus River System Authority’s (IRSA) mismanagement. She argued that the project could lead to desertification in Sindh by irrigating barren lands in Cholistan, which would further strain the province’s water resources. 

Opposition Leader in the Senate, Syed Shibli Faraz, expressed confusion over Rehman’s complaints, considering her party’s role in the ruling coalition. He called for the CCI to resolve inter-provincial disputes, highlighting that the council’s secretariat was still not established. 

Senator Kamran Murtaza of JUI-F noted that water distribution under the 1991 Water Accord already faced shortages, and the construction of new canals could exacerbate the issue. PPP Senator Jam Saifullah Khan warned that if the CCI did not address the matter, it could be taken to the Supreme Court’s Constitutional Bench, as unilateral decisions could have serious consequences. 

PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui supported the view that Punjab’s construction of canals is permissible under the 1991 accord, while PTI Senator Ali Zafar echoed Rehman’s concerns about national water scarcity. 

Minister for Water Resources Musadik Malik dismissed the opposition’s claims, clarifying that no new dams or link canals were being built on the Indus River. He stated that the Cholistan Canal is being constructed on the Sutlej River, using Punjab’s allocated water share, and assured that Sindh was not being deprived of its due share. 

Malik also announced a forthcoming CCI meeting to address the issue. Rehman, however, called for the matter to be referred to a relevant committee for further discussion, demanding a specific date for the long-delayed CCI meeting.

ALSO READ:   Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Widens

Previous Story

Over 200 Pakistanis deported from multiple countries in one week 

Next Story

Bangladesh Airport on high alert after bomb threat 

Latest from -Top News

World Bank Warns of Growing Poverty in Pakistan

Instead of concentrating on rural development to reduce poverty, the Pakistan government has been focused more on increasing defence expenditure….reports Asian Lite News The World Bank has voiced deep concern over Pakistan’s

Hasina Faces Arrest in War Crimes Probe

Two formal charges were submitted by the ICT prosecution against Hasina and her security and defence advisor, Tarique Ahmed Siddique….reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) on Wednesday issued arrest

Peace in Afghanistan Vital, Says India

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan….reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a

India, Qatar Strengthen Trade Ties

Goyal expressed optimism about the growing economic engagement between the two countries, stating, “Glad to meet Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed….reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met
Go toTop

Don't Miss

India to host series of roundtables at UN

Next on March 9, a roundtable on ‘A world we

8 Pakistan soldiers killed in militant attack

Seven soldiers were killed in the attack, officials told the