Sassui Palijo, leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party and former senator, warned on Wednesday that discussions are underway to construct Cholistan Canal, which is more dangerous than Kalabagh Dam project plan.
This is equivalent to terrorism,” she stated during a press conference heldat Thatta Press Club this evening. She said that the decisions made during the Central Development Working Party meeting cannot be ignored as water is a matter of life and death, and the people of Sindh are desperate for drinking water.
She said: “This is direct terrorism, and it will not be tolerated under any circumstances.” The PPP leader emphasized that the water issue is extremely critical, with districts such as Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tando Muhammad Khan severely affected by water shortages. Climate change has worsened the situation, and Sindh lacks major water sources compared to other provinces. Without access to drinking water and protection of agricultural land, no politics is possible, she observed.
Palijo stated that the Sindh Assembly has always raised concerns about water rights, and this struggle will continue. She pointed out that India’s violations of rivers have exacerbated water shortages in Sindh. Four days ago, concerns about Cholistan were also raised during the Central Development Committee meeting, yet the issues remain unresolved. Indus River System Authority has failed to perform its duties, and like the Kalabagh Dam, amendments to the IRSA Act have been rejected by Sindh.
She said: “Bids to build six canals are being made in Punjab, while Sindh’s concerns are being ignored repeatedly. Secret nighttime meetings are leading to decisions against Sindh’s interests.”
She accused retired bureaucrats of attempting to use these canals to irrigate their lands, with IRSA overstepping its authority. Palijo demanded immediate and fair decisions from the Council of Common Interests (CCI). She also questioned the Prime Minister about whether he is truly implementing a policy of taking all provinces along. It is necessary to address the concerns of smaller provinces.
She further added that due to water scarcity in Sindh, both the agriculture and fisheries sectors are suffering greatly. Water shortages in Kotri downstream have led to disputes and even killings. The decisions of IRSA and the Punjab government are forcing the people of Sindh to suffer from hunger and thirst. Palijo called for full implementation of the 18th Amendment and warned against its violation. She highlighted that Sindh’s farmers, growers, and business communities are paying taxes but are being deprived of their rights.