Punjab Minister Criticizes PPP Over Canal Project Controversy

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has launched a new critique against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that they are exploiting the canal issue for political gain and disseminating misinformation. This comes as tensions escalate between the federal and Sindh governments over the contentious canals project.

During an appearance on a talk show, Bukhari asserted that inflammatory statements are being made regarding the canal issue, questioning why the PPP isn’t showing concern for the province’s agricultural community.

She stated that the PPP, under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has governed Sindh for the past 16 years and should now demonstrate tangible results. “If the PPP persists in distorting the truth, they will be held accountable,” she cautioned, adding, “Meaningful dialogue cannot occur under duress.”

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

Following a series of verbal exchanges, a degree of reconciliation occurred when both parties consented to engage in negotiations. This followed an offer of dialogue extended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public and Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, to Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister.

However, the issue remains unresolved, marked by ongoing heated exchanges between the Punjab and Sindh governments.

On Tuesday, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah also stated that the PPP does not wish to destabilize the federal government led by the PML-N, despite possessing the capability 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 defended the federal government’s plan, clarifying that canal construction has not yet commenced and that the project will utilize floodwaters rather than the regular irrigation supply.

“Sindh cannot dictate how we utilize floodwater,” the PML-N minister asserted. However, she dismissed the possibility of abandoning the project if a consensus cannot be reached between the two parties.

Meanwhile, senior PPP figures from Punjab convened a press conference in Islamabad, delivering sharp criticism of the provincial government and questioning the viability of the project.

Chaudhry Manzoor pointed out the existing 43% water deficit in the Indus River system and demanded clarification from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding which canal would be diverted to provide water to Cholistan. He also refuted claims that President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the project, arguing that the president lacks the constitutional authority to approve administrative matters.

Nadeem Afzal Chan, who accompanied Manzoor at the press conference, cautioned against dividing the provinces by exploiting the issue.

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

Chan further stated that the PPP is aligned with the system, not the government, alleging that the Punjab government is selling off government schools and causing significant financial losses to farmers.

The federal government’s announcement of the disputed project has ignited unrest across Sindh, leading the provincial assembly to unanimously pass a resolution in March against the construction of six new canals on the Indus River.

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

These demonstrations have intensified, with a sit-in led by lawyers in Khairpur entering its sixth day. PML-N’s Sindh President Bashir Memon has arrived to negotiate with the demonstrators on the Prime Minister’s instructions.

Lawyers and civil society groups have established a team to represent them in discussions with the federal government.

Protests are also taking place in Hyderabad, Ghotki, Thatta, and other cities, where demonstrators have blocked roads and highways, demanding the project’s cancellation.

Transport disruptions are emerging, with the national highway in Ghotki remaining blocked for four days, causing long queues of vehicles. Traders have voiced concerns over stranded livestock and delayed deliveries.

In Hyderabad, lawyers are boycotting court proceedings following a call from the Sindh Bar Council. In Kandhkot, a sit-in has been ongoing for three days, disrupting traffic heading to Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. Separate protests are also occurring in Shikarpur, Dharki, Obaro, and Thatta.

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