Ruling parties in Pakistan divided over Indus canal project

IANS April 4, 2025 237 views

The Pakistani political landscape is experiencing significant tension as the ruling coalition partners, PML-N and PPP, clash over a controversial Indus River canal project. The $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative aims to develop six canals in south Punjab, but Sindh province strongly opposes the plan, fearing loss of water rights. PPP leaders have warned they might withdraw support from the government if the project proceeds without their consent. These developments highlight the complex water management challenges and inter-provincial dynamics in Pakistan's political system.

"If the canal project proceeds without Sindh's consent, the PPP may withdraw its support" - Murad Ali Shah, Sindh Chief Minister
Islamabad, April 4: In a growing political fissure, the ruling coalition partners of the Pakistani government, Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), clashed with each other on the issue of the Indus River canal project.

Key Points

1

Ruling parties disagree on massive $3.3 billion irrigation project

2

Sindh province fears losing water rights in canal development

3

PPP warns of potential government coalition collapse

4

Activists protest against canal construction

The PPP, on Thursday, expressed its concerns over the irrigation project. Meanwhile, the PML-N accused its coalition partner of habitually politicising water issues, local media reported.

The Pakistan government has launched a $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative that aims to develop six canals to irrigate 1.2 million acres of, what it claimed was a barren land in south Punjab.

However, the Sindh province is protesting against the decision, fearing that it will lose its water share from the Indus River due to the construction of these canals, reports the leading Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

"At a time when there was a shortage of 20 million acre-feet of water in the national system, the government was considering developing new command areas," PPP leader Chaudhry Manzoor said, addressing a press conference.

He said that the government was annihilating small farmers of Punjab in the name of corporate farming through the canal project.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari claimed that Sindh had a habit of politicising canal water. Bokhari suggested it would be more appropriate for the PPP to seek clarification from their leader, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, on this matter.

Meanwhile, PPP leader and Sindh province Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday said that the PPP won't allow the Centre to proceed with the construction without the province's consent.

Criticising the PML-N, CM Shah reminded that the federal government relied on the PPP's support, cautioning that without his party, the PML-N government could collapse.

"If the canal project proceeds without Sindh's consent, the PPP may withdraw its support," he warned while addressing a press conference.

Activists, members of various political parties, civil society outfits, trade unions, and literary associations are up in arms against the government, which is constructing six canals on the Indus River.

They have been continuously demanding that the government shelve the canal project.

The protests, echoing demands to "let the water flow," have been held across the province as the citizens described such projects as "anti-people policies" and a "violation" of Sindh's rights.

Reader Comments

A
Ahmed K.
Water disputes between provinces are nothing new, but threatening to collapse the government over it? That's extreme. Both sides need to sit down and find a solution that benefits all Pakistanis. 🌊
S
Sana R.
As someone from Sindh, I'm genuinely worried about our water rights. The Indus belongs to all of us, not just Punjab. The government needs to listen to ALL stakeholders before moving forward.
M
Muhammad A.
The Green Pakistan Initiative sounds promising, but the execution seems flawed. Why can't we have proper water distribution agreements before starting such massive projects? This is poor planning.
F
Fatima Z.
Both parties are playing politics with water - our most precious resource! PML-N shouldn't dismiss Sindh's concerns, and PPP shouldn't use this as bargaining chip. Pakistan needs statesmanship, not brinkmanship.
T
Tariq H.
Corporate farming vs small farmers is the real issue here. These canals might just benefit the wealthy landowners while ordinary farmers suffer. The government needs to address this concern seriously.
N
Nadia S.
I appreciate that Dawn is covering this issue thoroughly. Water disputes are often overlooked but affect millions. More media attention might pressure politicians to actually solve the problem rather than fight about it.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Pakistan Politics Indus River Water Rights PML-N PPP Murad Ali Shah Asif Ali Zardari Green Pakistan Initiative
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