The government and its ally, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), are at odds over the water distribution issue.
During a Senate session chaired by Deputy Chairman Syed Al Khan, the PPP challenged the government’s water distribution statistics, claiming they contradicted ground realities. PPP Senator Sherry Rehman accused the government of constructing canals on the Indus River, restricting Sindh’s water supply.
PML-N Senator Irfan Siddiqui dismissed the objections as unwarranted, asserting that provinces are free to utilize their allocated share of water. Minister for Water Resources Musadik Malik presented water distribution data, emphasizing that no province’s share had been reduced.
Sherry Rehman tabled a motion, alleging that Sindh’s water was being diverted without consultation. She highlighted protests across Sindh and criticized the government for ignoring objections raised by Sindh’s Chief Minister at the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) meeting.
Rehman stated that water shortages have persisted for 25 years and urged fair distribution, emphasizing that both Sindh and Balochistan have raised concerns. She questioned how seven million acres could be irrigated amid water scarcity, pointing out the dire situation in areas like Karachi.
PTI Senator Shibli Faraz supported PPP’s call for the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to convene, noting its prolonged inactivity.
The session witnessed further drama when Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan faced backlash for remarks about the PPP. Aleem Khan later apologized, clarifying his comments on past governments’ failure to construct the M6 Motorway.
Khan assured the Senate that the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway project would begin this year, promising its eventual extension to Karachi. He emphasized collective responsibility for delays in infrastructure projects.
Despite tensions, Minister Tarar urged members to maintain decorum, apologizing for any offense caused by his colleagues’ remarks. The Senate session was adjourned until Friday after extensive debate on the water issue.
Source: The COW News
