Sindh Assembly strongly opposed the construction of the controversial Cholistan Canal, warning that such projects could lead to severe water shortages in the province and even threaten national unity.
Sindh Health Minister Azra Pechuho issued a stark warning, saying, "Do not create a situation where the country is divided. If Sindh does not survive, Pakistan will not survive." She criticized the decision to divert water to the desert, calling it a "childish approach" and stressed that the province is already facing a water crisis.
PPP leader Nisar Khuhro declared that Sindh was under attack, accusing the federal government of bypassing proper approvals to build six controversial canals. "We will not let these projects destroy Sindh," he asserted.
Jamil Soomro of PPP reminded the assembly that "PML-N governments have always introduced controversial projects. Just days after Pakistan's nuclear tests, Nawaz Sharif announced the Kalabagh Dam. Now, another attempt is being made to push Sindh against the wall."
Nadir Magsi pointed out that the project was politically motivated, saying, "We all know who wants to settle land. If you want water, fight India for it, not Sindh."
Jam Khan Shoro, Sindh’s Irrigation Minister, rejected the new canals, arguing that Sindh does not have enough water to sustain them. "Punjab itself claims it has less water—so how will it supply additional water to these canals?" he questioned. He revealed that 22 lakh acres of Sindh's land has already been lost to seawater due to insufficient freshwater inflows.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah submitted a formal resolution rejecting the project, stating, "These controversial canals will devastate our agriculture and wildlife. Sindh will not approve any project that leads to further water shortages."
The MQM's Iftikhar Alam urged the federal government to ensure that any water-related decisions involve all stakeholders to prevent further alienation of smaller provinces.
Meanwhile, JI’s Muhammad Farooq challenged the PPP’s stance, reminding the house that former President Asif Ali Zardari had previously praised the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) canal projects. "The PPP must clarify its position," he demanded.
Tributes and Condemnations
The session also observed Fateha for the victims of the Jaffer Express terrorist attack, with Sabir Qaimkhani and Sharjeel Memon condemning the tragedy and lauding the security forces for their swift action.
Additionally, the assembly paid tribute to the late Nawab Yousuf Talpur, with CM Murad Ali Shah acknowledging his contributions to Pakistan.
The Sindh Assembly session, presided over by Speaker Awais Qadir Shah, concluded with calls for the federal government to immediately abandon the controversial canal projects and ensure Sindh receives its due share of water under the Water Accord.
