Punjab Minister Criticizes PPP Over Canal Project Dispute

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has launched a new critique against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging they are exploiting the canal issue for political gain and misinforming the public. This comes amid ongoing tensions between the federal and Sindh governments over the contentious canals initiative.

During an appearance on a news program, Bukhari asserted that inflammatory rhetoric was being used regarding the canal issue, questioning why the PPP wasn’t prioritizing the well-being of Sindh’s farmers.

She stated that the PPP, led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has governed Sindh for the past 16 years and should now demonstrate tangible results. “If the PPP persists in distorting facts, accountability will be necessary,” she cautioned, adding, “Negotiations cannot be conducted through intimidation.”

The core of the dispute is the federal government’s proposal to construct six canals to irrigate Punjab’s Cholistan desert, a component of the Green Pakistan Initiative launched in February. This plan has created friction between the PML-N and its coalition partner, which governs Sindh.

Following a series of verbal exchanges, relations between the two parties improved somewhat when they consented to discuss the matter. This followed an offer of dialogue from the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public and Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, extended to Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on behalf of the Prime Minister.

However, the issue remains unresolved, with continued heated debates between the Punjab and Sindh administrations.

On Tuesday, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah stated that while his party has the capacity to destabilize the PML-N-led federal government, they do not wish to do so.

In response, Bukhari noted that the PML-N has endured criticism and warnings throughout the 16 months of caretaker governance and continues to do so.

She also defended the federal government’s strategy, noting that canal construction has not yet commenced and that the project will utilize floodwaters instead of the standard irrigation supply.

“Sindh cannot dictate how we utilize floodwater,” the PML-N minister commented. However, she dismissed the chance of the project being canceled even if the two sides fail to reach an agreement.

Meanwhile, senior PPP figures from Punjab held a press conference in Islamabad, expressing strong criticism of the provincial government and raising concerns about the project’s viability.

Chaudhry Manzoor stated that the Indus River system already faces a 43% water deficit and demanded clarification from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding which canal would be diverted to supply water to Cholistan. He also refuted reports of President Asif Ali Zardari’s endorsement of the project, asserting that the president lacks the constitutional authority to approve administrative issues.

Nadeem Afzal Chan, present alongside Manzoor at the press conference, cautioned against exploiting the issue to create divisions between the provinces.

“They claim to be the heirs of Punjab, but they may be the heirs of Zia-ul-Haq, not Punjab,” he stated, accusing the PML-N of selling off land worth billions of rupees.

Chan further stated that the PPP is aligned with the system, not with the government, adding that the Punjab government’s sale of government schools is causing Rs1,100 billion in losses to farmers.

Notably, the federal government’s announcement of the disputed project also sparked widespread unrest in Sindh, with the provincial assembly unanimously passing a resolution in March opposing the construction of six new canals on the Indus River.

The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other nationalist groups have organized large rallies in various cities across the province, including Karachi.

These demonstrations have grown in intensity across Sindh. In Khairpur, a sit-in led by lawyers at Babarloi Bypass has entered its sixth day, with PML-N’s Sindh President Bashir Memon arriving to negotiate with the demonstrators on the prime minister’s instructions.

Lawyers and civil society organizations have also established a 14-member team to represent them in discussions with the federal government.

Demonstrations are also being held in Hyderabad, Ghotki, Thatta, and other cities, where protesters, including members of nationalist, political, and religious parties, have blocked roads and highways, demanding the project’s cancellation.

Transport disruptions are intensifying. In Ghotki, the national highway has been blocked for four consecutive days, resulting in extensive queues of goods transport and livestock vehicles. Traders have voiced significant concerns about stranded animals and delivery delays.

In Hyderabad, lawyers have boycotted court proceedings following a call from the Sindh Bar Council. In Kandhkot, a sit-in organized by the Lawyers’ Alliance and the All Parties Movement has been ongoing for three days at Golamore on the Indus Highway.

Traffic heading to Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan remains suspended due to the protest. Additional protests are underway in Shikarpur, Dharki, Obaro, and Thatta.

In Ghotki, protests persist on the national highway against the disputed canals originating from Sindh. A protest camp has also been established at Kamo Shaheed on the Sindh-Punjab border.