In a significant development, the federal government agreed to initiate dialogue with the Sindh government to address concerns about the controversial channel projects.
The progress occurred during a phone call between Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and Senior Minister of Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon. Both leaders expressed their commitment to solve the dispute through a peaceful negotiation.
Rana Sanaullah declared that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader, Nawaz Sharif, had ordered the center to address Sindh’s reserves.
“The federal government supports the distribution of fair resources among all provinces,” he said, reiterating that water cannot be diverted illegally.
Sanaullah emphasized that the problem should not politicize, and added that the 1991 agreement and IRSA law safeguard provincial rights.
“Dialogue and consultation are the solution to each problem,” he said.
Sharjeel Memon said the PPP and the people of Sindh have serious concerns about the proposed channels. He reaffirmed Sindh’s position in the 1991 water distribution agreement and welcomed federal dialogue efforts.
The dispute focuses on a federal plan to build six channels that divert water from the Indo River to water the Cholistan desert. The RS211.4 billion project aims to cultivate 400,000 acres of sterile land, but has caused a strong opposition in Sindh.
Previously, the president of the PPP, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, warned that the party could leave the ruling coalition if their concerns were not addressed.
Political parties, civil society and nationalist groups have organized generalized protests in Sindh.
