Federal Government Extends Invitation for Dialogue on Canal Projects

In a promising turn of events, the federal government has proposed engaging in discussions with Sindh’s leadership to resolve their concerns regarding the contested canal projects. This offer seeks to address the ongoing disputes through constructive dialogue.

This development arose from a phone conversation between Rana Sanaullah, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination, and Sharjeel Inam Memon, a senior minister from Sindh. Both individuals concurred on the importance of addressing the matter through collaborative negotiations.

Their discussion centered on finding solutions to the persistent challenges related to the allocation and governance of water resources via canals.

Rana Sanaullah stated that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, have instructed him to ease Sindh’s worries concerning the canal issue. He conveyed the federal government’s dedication to the equitable allocation of resources, including water, among all provinces, stating, “We advocate for the impartial allocation of resources, ensuring every region benefits fairly.”

Memon stated that the Sindh government has consistently voiced its opinions regarding the canal matter across various platforms.

He emphasized the serious concerns of the PPP and the people of Sindh regarding the contested canals, stating, “The PPP and the residents of Sindh harbor significant concerns pertaining to the contentious canals.”

The senior provincial minister added that the PPP is pushing for the fair allocation of water in accordance with the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord for the people of Sindh. However, he also indicated the provincial government’s willingness to negotiate with the federal government.

Sanaullah highlighted the significance of addressing the issue through open discussions. “We must avoid politicizing the water issue. These matters should be resolved through discussion,” he said. He also recognized the PPP’s vital position within the federation, urging its representatives to act responsibly in their constitutional roles.

He further noted that the federal government respects the PPP leadership and firmly believes that the 1991 water agreement and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act ensure impartiality. “With the 1991 accord and the IRSA Act in effect, fairness is guaranteed for all parties involved.”

He asserted that no province’s water resources can be reallocated to another, and the nation has constitutional safeguards and legislation in place to avert such occurrences.

He concluded, “Open dialogue and thorough consultation are the keys to resolving any challenge.”

The central government’s proposal for discussion occurred two days after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari cautioned that his party might sever ties with the ruling coalition led by the PML-N if its concerns about the contentious canals project were not taken into consideration.

The contested canals project has become a point of contention between two major political parties that are allies at the federal level.

The issue involves the federal government’s intentions to draw water from the Indus River through the creation of six canals to irrigate the Cholistan Desert — a project opposed by the PPP and various nationalist parties within the province.

Government sources indicate the Cholistan canal system carries an estimated cost of Rs211.4 billion. The project aims to enable the utilization of vast areas of barren land for agricultural purposes, potentially bringing approximately 400,000 acres under cultivation.

Nearly all political and religious groups, nationalist organizations, and civil society groups have organized large-scale demonstrations across Sindh to protest the controversial plan.