Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has strongly opposed the Cholistan Canal project, warning that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) will take necessary action to halt its development. He emphasized that Sindh’s water rights must be protected, stating, “We are ready to go to any lengths to safeguard our people’s interests.”
Punjab Yet to Start Work on Canal
Speaking to journalists at Chief Minister House in Karachi, Shah revealed that the Punjab government has not yet begun work on the project. He credited this delay to the strong resistance from Sindh, which has consistently opposed the canal’s construction.
The Rs45 billion allocation for the project remains untouched, according to Shah.
Concerns Over Water Scarcity
The chief minister warned that Pakistan is already facing severe water shortages. He pointed out that between 1999 and 2024, the Tarbela Dam reached full capacity for only 17 days, while the Mangla Dam filled up for just four days.
“If we can’t fill our existing dams, how will we sustain new canals?” he questioned. Shah explained that the estimated Rs218 billion cost of the project has now risen to Rs225 billion and may increase further.
He also highlighted that the original plan included a dam in Chiniot, costing $3 billion. However, despite Punjab’s claim that it would spend Rs45 billion in the first year, not a single rupee has been used.
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Three Provinces Oppose Project
The Cholistan Canal project is not just a threat to Sindh but to the entire country, Shah warned.
He provided historical context, revealing that the British government rejected a similar project in 1919. He added that during the caretaker government’s tenure, Punjab sought a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), claiming there was enough water for the canal. However, Sindh’s data shows that water flow has declined significantly over time.
From 1976 to 1999, the average downstream flow at Kotri had already decreased sharply. By 2023, it had declined even further. “How can Punjab justify additional water allocation when Sindh is already struggling?” he asked.
Sindh Assembly Stands United
The Sindh Assembly has passed a resolution against the project, with both the PPP and opposition parties supporting the decision. Shah urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to reject the project unless proper consultations are held.
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