Sindh Assembly Rejects Construction of New Canals, Vows to Defend Water Rights

CM Thanks Sindh Assembly for Supporting Water Rights Resolution

By DTD- On Mar 13, 2025

KARACHI:” The Sindh Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution presented by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, rejecting the construction of six new canals, including the Cholistan Canal. The resolution strongly opposes these projects, calling them a violation of the 1991 Water Accord and an attempt to deprive Sindh of its rightful share of water.

In his address to the assembly, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah warned that Sindh would not compromise on its water rights and vowed to resist any illegal water distribution. He criticized the federal government for planning the construction of new canals, emphasizing that such actions are unconstitutional and unacceptable. “Every attempt to snatch Sindh’s water rights will be met with a befitting response,” he asserted.

Shah accused the federal government of using the canal projects as a political tool, claiming that Punjab and the federation cannot justify these constructions. He further questioned the feasibility of these projects, highlighting the absence of surplus water available for diversion. “If there is no water, how will it go into the canal?” he asked.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the Sindh government has already submitted objections to the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and stressed that no canal could be built without its approval. “Until the CCI meets and resolves this matter, no new canal should be constructed,” he declared.

Shah also reminded the assembly of historical agreements on water distribution, especially the 1945 Sindh-Punjab Agreement, which ensured an equitable share of water between the provinces. He accused the federal government of imposing the 1991 Water Accord on Sindh and called for its strict implementation.

Recalling past resistance to controversial water projects, Shah mentioned the PPP’s opposition to the Greater Thal Canal and Kalabagh Dam. “We have always stood against such unjust projects, and this time will be no different,” he affirmed.

Additionally, Shah criticized the Punjab government for misleading statements about the Cholistan Canal, noting discrepancies between their claims and budget allocations. “They claim they will not take water from the Indus, but their budget allocations tell a different story,” he said, referring to Punjab’s previous allocation of Rs. 1 million for the canal, which was later withdrawn.

The Chief Minister thanked all political parties in the Sindh Assembly for their support and emphasized that this resolution was a collective effort to safeguard Sindh’s water rights. “I want all members’ names to be included in the resolution alongside mine,” he stated.

The Sindh government has pledged to mobilize public support against any unlawful water projects and urged the federal government to hold immediate discussions with all stakeholders. “Public resistance will be organized against any illegal distribution of water,” Shah declared.

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also voiced strong opposition, likening the extraction of more canals from the Indus River to “playing with fire.” He warned that such decisions could have severe consequences and deepen inter-provincial tensions.

The Sindh Assembly session was adjourned until 2:30 pm the following day.