Murad raises Concerns over water rights in Sindh Assembly
Imran
Murad raises Concerns over water rights in Sindh Assembly
KARACHI Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah delivered a passionate address at the Sindh Assembly, reaffirming Sindh's historical rights over the Indus River and expressing serious concerns about the diversion of its waters to other regions.
He emphasised that Sindh has consistently maintained its stance on water distribution and warned against any attempts to divert water from the Indus without consent.
In his speech, CM Murad Ali Shah provided a detailed historical perspective on the development of river systems in the subcontinent, highlighting Sindh's longstanding reliance on these waters for agriculture. He questioned the rationale behind diverting water from Punjab's fertile lands to Cholistan, arguing that such actions would have devastating consequences for both provinces.
“Sindh's people have a rightful claim over these rivers,” he said and added that water cannot be taken without the permission of those who have lived alongside these rivers for centuries. “This is a globally accepted principle,” he asserted.
Mr Shah recalled Sindh's previous objections to various canal projects, leading to agreements such as the Sindh-Punjab Water Accord of 1945. “Under this agreement, Punjab's canals were allocated a fixed water share, while any excess water was to be directed to Sindh through the Panjnad system,” he said. However, he expressed concern that the water available in the system has been decreasing rather than increasing, adversely affecting Sindh's share.
The chief minister also pointed out that Sindh's population was historically four times larger than Punjab's, with 80 per cent of its citizens dependent on agriculture. He questioned why Sindh should remain silent while new canal projects threaten its already dwindling water supply.
“We are being told that water will be taken from Punjab's most fertile lands and diverted to Cholistan and that we should not object,” he said. “Will Punjab allow its most productive regions, like Chaj Doab and Rachna Doab, to dry up just to irrigate a desert?” he asked.
Murad Ali Shah reiterated that Sindh has always raised its voice against unfair water distribution and will continue to do so. He reminded the assembly that past objections from Sindh led to the formation of multiple commissions and, ultimately, to the Sindh-Punjab Agreement, which set clear guidelines for water allocation.
With rising concerns over water scarcity, the CM urged all stakeholders to adhere to the historic agreements and ensure a fair distribution of water, keeping in mind the rights of Sindh's people.
