Nisar Khuhro, President Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh, has strongly criticized Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal for dismissing Sindh’s objections to the controversial canal projects as baseless. Khuhro argued that the federal claim—stating no province can take another’s share of water—only weakens Sindh’s valid concerns and urged full implementation of the 1991 Water Accord. Khuhro on Saturday, questioned how Punjab could have surplus water for the proposed Cholistan canal, given that it is already allocated its share.
He demanded that the federal government clarify where the additional water to fill the canal’s 4,152 cusecs capacity would come from. Khuhro pointed out that redirecting water from Jhelum and Chenab rivers to the Cholistan canal would involve remodeling of Qadirabad, Sulemanki, and Rasul barrages. He argued that this would necessitate continuous operation of Chashma and Taunsa-Panjnad link canals, which could render Sindh barren.
He further expressed Sindh’s apprehension that these link canals, initially meant for flood management, might be permanently operated to divert Sindh’s share of water to Cholistan and other projects. Khuhro questioned why water from Taunsa to Guddu Barrage is being siphoned off through pumping stations if no province is allowed to take another’s share. He criticized the federal government for not implementing recommendations from a ministerial committee led by Khalid Magsi, which aimed to curb water theft.
He also called out the federal government for failing to install a telemetry system to ensure transparent water distribution and demanded that the Council of Common Interests (CCI) convene to resolve disputes. Khuhro reminded the federal authorities of Sindh’s fierce opposition to the Kalabagh Dam, which forced a retreat on the project during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure.
He warned that the new canal projects would further devastate Sindh’s already shrinking agricultural lands, with millions of acres turning barren due to inadequate water supply. Khuhro urged the federal government to withdraw the controversial plans and respect the resolutions passed by the Sindh Assembly. He concluded by proposing that Punjab develop its barren lands using underground water or by installing reverse osmosis plants if groundwater is not suitable. Sindh, he stated firmly, will not allow its rightful share of water to be taken and will not compromise even a single drop of its allocation.
