ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon agreed to address the canals project issue through talks during a phone call, according to Memon’s spokesperson.
This follows a directive from PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, who asked the federal government to discuss the water dispute between Punjab and Sindh with the PPP, emphasizing that political point-scoring should be avoided on this national issue.
During the call, Sanaullah and Memon agreed to resolve the canals dispute through dialogue, as stated by Memon’s spokesperson. Sanaullah said, “We are ready to negotiate with Sindh,” adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif want Sindh’s concerns addressed.
Memon noted that Sindh has consistently shared its position on the canals project, highlighting that the PPP and Sindh’s people have concerns about the project. He stressed the need for fair water distribution under the 1991 agreement and said the PPP is open to talks with the federal government.
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On February 15, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir launched the Cholistan project to irrigate south Punjab, despite concerns raised in Sindh.
In March, the Sindh Assembly passed a resolution opposing the project. Over the past months, protests by political parties and citizens have occurred nationwide. Sindh Chief Minister Murad criticized Punjab for diverting more water to the TP Link Canal, while the Indus River System Authority said its decisions followed the law.
On April 18, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warned the PML-N against moving forward with the canals project without addressing Sindh’s objections, stating that the PPP would not support the federal government if the project continued.
In Hyderabad, Minister of State for Religious Affairs Kesoo Mal Kheal Das assured the PPP that the federal government would not act unilaterally and would hold talks to reach an agreement.
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He said, “No action will be taken that upsets any province,” adding that Sindh’s concerns must be resolved before moving forward. He mentioned that the issue would be discussed in the Council of Common Interests and noted that the project has not been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council.
Commenting on a recent incident where his vehicle was reportedly targeted by protesters in Thatta, Kheal Das said he did not believe the PPP was involved, calling it a democratic party.
He noted that a case has been filed and some arrests made. He added that such acts would not stop his work and acknowledged Bilawal’s role in representing Sindh’s rights.
Kheal Das said he discussed the canals issue with PM Shehbaz, and the government plans to invite PPP leaders for talks to resolve the matter peacefully.
