ISLAMABAD – Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, on Monday assured Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon that the federal government will address all concerns related to the controversial canals project.
This assurance came during their second telephonic conversation, where both leaders agreed to continue dialogue and resolve the matter amicably. The development follows rising tensions within the ruling coalition after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned of a possible split if federal authorities failed to address Sindh’s reservations.
The core issue revolves around the federal government’s plan to build six canals to irrigate the Cholistan desert using water from the Indus River. Sindh and various nationalist parties oppose the move, citing threats to the province’s rightful water share.
The Cholistan canals project, valued at Rs211.4 billion, aims to turn thousands of acres of barren land into farmland. Officials estimate that 400,000 acres could be brought under cultivation. However, protests erupted across Sindh, with political, religious, and civil society groups demanding the project be scrapped.
During Monday’s call, Sanaullah reiterated that water distribution would be settled in accordance with the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord. “No province’s water can be diverted to another,” he emphasized. He added that the matter was “administrative and technical” and would be resolved through mutual understanding.
In an earlier conversation on April 20, Memon conveyed Sindh’s strong objections. He stressed that the PPP and the people of Sindh want fair distribution and transparency under the water accord. He also expressed Sindh’s readiness to engage in talks.
Wider Consultation
Sanaullah, while supporting dialogue over politics, reaffirmed that the federal government respects the PPP’s role in the federation. “No province will be deprived of its share,” he said, promising wider consultation to address all concerns.
Separately, speaking on Geo News, Memon urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to officially cancel the six canals project to calm public fears. “Once the PM makes a clear announcement, people will stop protesting,” he said.
Memon questioned the source of water for the new canals, arguing that any new project without a fresh water source would inevitably reduce supply to existing users. “If there is a shortage, the government should admit it,” he said.
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He also highlighted that Sindh is already receiving less than its due share and challenged the feasibility of new construction under these conditions. He noted that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had written several letters to the federal government, calling for a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting.
Sanaullah, however, warned that abruptly canceling the project might create the wrong impression. “It could appear as if we were hiding something,” he explained.
He clarified that the meeting where the project was discussed was only consultative. “No formal approval has been given by the President,” he added. Final decisions are expected once the Prime Minister returns from his visit to Turkiye.
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