Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has cautioned the federal government against violating constitutional provisions, emphasizing that it will not allow any reduction in Sindh’s share of water, gas, or the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro on Sunday, accused the federal government of breaching the constitution by imposing gas load-shedding in Sindh, failing to provide the province its rightful share of water under the 1991 agreement, and discussing a review of the NFC award.
“Under Article 158 of the Constitution, it is mandatory to prioritize the gas needs of the province where it is produced,” he said. Khuhro highlighted the severe gas load-shedding and low pressure in Sindh, terming it a violation of constitutional provisions. He demanded the federal government ensure Sindh receives its due share of gas. “Sindh produces 65% of the country’s 2,100 MMCFD gas, yet it is not getting its fair share,” he said.
He also rejected the 25% increase in gas prices by OGRA, stating, “Decisions are being made unilaterally due to the lack of provincial representation in OGRA. The Prime Minister must intervene to review and reverse this price hike.” The PPP leader opposed the construction of new canals, questioning, “With no surplus water available, where will the water for these canals come from?”
He stated that Sindh has already been deprived of its rightful share of water under the 1991 agreement, leaving millions of acres barren. Khuhro expressed concerns about the ongoing diversion of Sindh’s water through the Chashma-Jhelum Link Canal and TP Link Canal, stating that further diversion to new canals would exacerbate the crisis. Khuhro criticized the federal finance minister’s remarks on reviewing the NFC award, calling it an attack on the 18th Amendment.
“Under Article 160(3A) of the Constitution, the share of provinces cannot be reduced,” he asserted. He demanded the issuance of a new NFC award in 2025 and the reconstitution of the National Finance Commission to increase the provincial share from 57.5 percent to a higher percentage. “Strong provinces are the foundation of a strong federation,” he added.
The PPP warned that any controversial measures or violations of constitutional rights would fuel further resentment in Sindh. Khuhro urged the federal government to abandon its “stepmotherly treatment” towards the province and address these issues through constitutional forums.
