The ongoing dispute between Punjab and Sindh over the construction of new canals on the Indus River has intensified, with Sindh expressing strong opposition to the projects initiated under the Green Pakistan Initiative. This initiative, launched by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir, aims to irrigate 4.8 million acres of barren land through six new canals—two each in Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. However, five of these canals are planned to be built on the Indus River, raising concerns in Sindh about potential reductions in its water share and adverse environmental impacts.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has labeled the canal projects as a “conspiracy against the people of Sindh” and has threatened to withdraw from the federal coalition government if consensus isn’t reached. He emphasized that the projects could disrupt the ecological balance and deprive Sindh of its rightful water share.
The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the construction of the new canals, demanding an immediate halt to the projects until an agreement is reached among all provincial governments. The resolution highlighted concerns that the projects violate the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991 and the IRSA Act of 1992.
In response, Punjab officials have defended the projects, asserting that they have received necessary approvals and are essential for regional development. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari stated that the projects were approved by President Asif Ali Zardari and accused the PPP of politicizing the issue.
The dispute has also seen involvement from civil society groups, such as the Save the Indus River Movement, which announced protests across Sindh against the canal projects. They argue that the new canals would leave no water for farming activities and basic needs of urban inhabitants in Sindh, causing irreparable damage to the natural ecosystem.
The matter has been escalated to the Council of Common Interests (CCI), with Sindh submitting formal complaints and requesting a halt to the projects until a consensus is achieved. The federal government’s response and the outcome of the CCI’s deliberations will be crucial in resolving this inter-provincial conflict.
