Rift Among Ruling Parties in Pakistan Over Indus Canal Initiative
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Synopsis
The ruling coalition in Pakistan, comprising the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), is experiencing tensions over the Indus River canal project, which has sparked protests in Sindh due to fears of water loss.
Key Takeaways
- Political tensions between ruling coalition partners.
- PPP raises concerns about water rights and irrigation projects.
- Protests in Sindh against the canal initiative.
- Government's $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative.
- Concerns about the impact on small farmers in Punjab.
Islamabad, April 4 (NationPress) In an escalating political divide, the coalition partners of the Pakistani government, Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have found themselves at odds regarding the Indus River canal initiative. The PPP raised concerns on Thursday regarding the irrigation venture, while the PML-N accused its partner of consistently politicizing water matters, as reported by local media.
The government of Pakistan has initiated a $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative aimed at constructing six canals to irrigate 1.2 million acres of what it claims is barren land in south Punjab.
However, the Sindh province is protesting this decision, alarmed that it may lose its share of water from the Indus River due to the canal constructions, according to the leading Pakistani newspaper Dawn.
PPP leader Chaudhry Manzoor stated at a press conference, "At a time when the national system is facing a shortfall of 20 million acre-feet of water, the government is contemplating the development of new command areas."
He further accused the government of jeopardizing small farmers in Punjab under the guise of corporate farming related to the canal project.
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari countered that Sindh has a tendency to politicize canal water issues, suggesting that the PPP should seek clarification from their leader, President Asif Ali Zardari, on this matter.
Furthermore, PPP leader and Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, declared that the PPP would not permit the federal government to continue with construction without the province's approval.
In a critique of the PML-N, CM Shah reminded that the federal government depends on the PPP's support, warning that without his party, the PML-N government may falter.
"If the canal project proceeds without Sindh's consent, the PPP may retract its support," he cautioned during a press conference.
Various activists, political party members, civil society organizations, trade unions, and literary groups are actively opposing the government's plan to construct six canals on the Indus River.
They have been persistently demanding that the government abandon the canal project.
Protests, echoing calls to "let the water flow," have erupted across the province as citizens label such initiatives as "anti-people policies" and a "violation" of Sindh's rights.
