ISLAMABAD:
Concerns over severe water shortages in Sindh and Balochistan triggered a heated debate in the National Assembly on Thursday as PPP lawmakers questioned official water distribution figures and demanded answers on shortages affecting agriculture and irrigation.
The issue arose during a call-up notice tabled in the House, where PPP leaders warned of a worsening water crisis in Sindh.
However, Federal Minister Moeen Wattoo defended the government’s position and data from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), stating that Sindh had received more than its share of water.
Speaking in the House, PPP leader Syed Naveed Qamar said Sindh was facing severe water shortage and questioned how farmers could be expected to farm without adequate supplies.
“Right now, Sindh is facing severe water shortage,” Qamar said, asking what response could be given to farmers if water was not available during the planting season.
Responding to the call for attention, Federal Minister Moeen Wattoo said IRSA data showed that Sindh had consumed more water than its allocated share, while Balochistan had also received water according to its right.
“According to IRSA, Sindh has used more than its fair share of water,” Wattoo said. He added that currently Sindh receives 140,000 cusecs of water.
The minister’s figures were immediately questioned by PPP legislators. Shazia Marri objected to the data and questioned why the telemetry system, intended to improve transparency in water distribution, has not yet been installed.
“The federal minister’s figures are not correct,” Marri said, adding that rainwater discharge cannot be counted as part of Sindh’s share.
In response, Wattoo said the telemetry system would be completed in 2027 and defended the accuracy of the government’s data. “How can I provide incorrect figures?”
