The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued a stay order against the water availability certificate granted by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for the construction of canals in the Cholistan and Thal regions. This decision comes amid legal challenges and opposition from the Sindh province.

Background of the Dispute

IRSA had approved the provision of 450,000 acre-feet of water to the Punjab government for the Cholistan Canal System project, originating from the Sutlej River at Sulemanki Headworks. This approval was met with resistance from Sindh, which deemed the allocation unfair and detrimental to its water interests.

Legal Challenges Raised

The petitioner’s counsel contended that IRSA’s formation was unconstitutional, highlighting the absence of a Sindh representative within the authority. This lack of representation, they argued, rendered IRSA’s decisions, including the issuance of the water certificate, legally invalid.

Court Proceedings and Directives

During the proceedings, the federal government sought additional time to respond. The SHC has mandated a comprehensive reply by April 18, emphasizing the urgency and significance of the matter. ​

Political and Social Repercussions

The canal projects have ignited tensions between federal and provincial authorities. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and various Sindhi nationalist groups have expressed strong opposition. President Asif Ali Zardari has cautioned that unilateral decisions on such projects could strain the federation’s cohesion. Furthermore, widespread protests across Sindh reflect the public’s apprehensions regarding potential adverse impacts on the province’s water resources and agriculture. ​

Conclusion

The SHC’s intervention underscores the complexities of inter-provincial water distribution and governance in Pakistan. As the situation unfolds, the necessity for equitable resource management and adherence to constitutional protocols remains paramount to ensure harmony and fairness among all stakeholders.