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Sindh CM Opposes Indus Canal Project, Citing Water Shortage
Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah reaffirms opposition to Punjab’s $3.3B Green Pakistan Initiative, citing threats to Sindh’s water share. PPP vows to challenge the project at the CCI.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-04
Sindh CM Opposes Indus Canal Project, Citing Water Shortage

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has reiterated his opposition to the federal government’s proposed construction of six canals on the Indus River, expressing grave concerns about its impact on Sindh’s water resources. Speaking to the media on Friday, Shah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting Sindh’s water rights and challenging the controversial project at the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

The $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative, inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir on February 15, aims to irrigate 1.2 million acres of land in south Punjab. However, the project has sparked strong opposition in Sindh, first from nationalist parties and now from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which fears the diversion of Sindh’s water share.

PPP’s Opposition to the Project

Murad Ali Shah emphasized that no funds have been allocated for the canals project and vowed that the PPP would continue to resist it. “The Punjab government has proposed a Rs218 billion project to construct new canals, but such water projects require CCI approval under Article 155 of the Constitution,” Shah stated.

He also pointed out the ongoing water shortage in Sindh, citing that between 1976 and 2022, 27 million acre-feet (MAF) of water flowed into the sea, while 8.6 MAF was allocated for other uses, leading to an 11 MAF water deficit. “How can new canals be justified when Sindh is already facing severe water shortages?” he questioned.

Political Dispute Over Water Distribution

The issue has also caused rifts among ruling allies in Punjab. The PPP’s provincial leadership has strongly opposed the project, while the PML-N has accused its coalition partner of politicizing water issues. The PML-Q, another government ally, has called for an early resolution of the dispute to avoid further tensions.

The Sindh Assembly passed a resolution against the initiative in March, arguing that the project threatens Sindh’s agricultural and economic future. The Sindh government has also submitted summaries regarding new water projects, including the Cholistan canal, to the CCI in 2023 and 2024, but a final decision remains pending.

Future Course of Action

Murad Ali Shah vowed to continue advocating for Sindh’s interests and reiterated that the PPP would not allow any compromise on Sindh’s rightful share of water. He also assured that the murderers of Shaheed Jan Muhammad Mehr would be brought to justice, further solidifying his stance on protecting Sindh’s rights in all aspects.

With mounting pressure from political factions and no final decision from the CCI, the fate of the Cholistan canal project remains uncertain, setting the stage for an intense legal and political battle over Pakistan’s water resources.
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