Punjab Minister Criticizes PPP Over Canal Project

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has launched a new criticism against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), alleging that they are politicizing the canal issue and misinforming the public. This comes as the dispute between the federal and Sindh governments over the proposed canals project intensifies.

During an appearance on a local news program, Bukhari stated that “incendiary remarks” were being made regarding the canal issue. She questioned why the PPP was not showing concern for the province’s agricultural workers.

Bukhari noted that the PPP, led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has governed Sindh for the past 16 years and should now “demonstrate results.” She cautioned that the PPP would be held accountable if it persisted in distorting the facts, emphasizing that “discussions cannot be conducted through intimidation.”

The federal government’s plan to construct six canals to irrigate Punjab’s Cholistan desert, under the Green Pakistan Initiative launched in February, has caused friction between the PML-N and its coalition partner, which governs Sindh.

Following a series of verbal clashes, tensions eased slightly when both parties agreed to negotiate. This followed an offer of dialogue from the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public and Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, to Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, acting on the Prime Minister’s directive.

The dispute remains unresolved, with ongoing heated exchanges between the Punjab and Sindh governments.

On Tuesday, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah commented that the PPP has the capability to remove the PML-N-led federal government but does not wish to do so.

Bukhari responded by stating that the PML-N had endured and continues to endure criticism and warnings leveled against it during the 16-month caretaker period.

She defended the federal government’s initiative, clarifying that construction of the canals has not commenced and that the project would utilize floodwaters rather than the regular irrigation supply.

The PML-N minister asserted that “Sindh cannot dictate how we utilize floodwater.” However, she did not rule out the possibility of abandoning the project if an agreement cannot be reached between the two sides.

Meanwhile, senior PPP leaders from Punjab held a press briefing in Islamabad, delivering strong criticism of the Punjab government and raising concerns about the viability of the project.

Chaudhry Manzoor noted the existing 43% water shortage in the Indus River system and requested clarity from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regarding which canal would be redirected to supply water to Cholistan. He also dismissed reports of President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval of the project, stating that the president lacks the constitutional authority to approve administrative matters.

Nadeem Afzal Chan, who was present with Manzoor at the press conference, cautioned against dividing the provinces by exploiting the water issue.

He accused the PML-N of selling lands worth billions of rupees, stating, “They claim to be the successors of Punjab, but they might be the successors of Zia-ul-Haq, not Punjab.”

Chan further added that the PPP is allied with the system, not with the government, and accused the Punjab government of selling government schools and causing substantial losses to farmers.

It is important to note that the federal government’s announcement of the disputed project sparked unrest throughout Sindh. In March, the Sindh provincial assembly unanimously approved a resolution opposing the construction of six new canals on the Indus River.

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

These demonstrations have grown in intensity across Sindh. In Khairpur, a lawyers-led sit-in at Babarloi Bypass entered its sixth day, prompting PML-N’s Sindh President Bashir Memon to attempt negotiations with the demonstrators on the Prime Minister’s instructions.

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

Protests are also occurring in Hyderabad, Ghotki, Thatta, and other cities. Protesters, including members of nationalist, political, and religious groups, have blocked roads and highways, demanding the cancellation of the canals project.

Transport disruptions are starting to have an impact. In Ghotki, the national highway has been blocked for four consecutive days, resulting in long lines of goods transport and livestock vehicles. Traders have voiced serious concerns about their stranded animals and delayed deliveries.

In Hyderabad, lawyers are boycotting 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 because of the protest. Additional demonstrations are also taking place in Shikarpur, Dharki, Obaro, and Thatta.

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