Sherry Rehman concerned over opening of Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal

Liaquat Ali

Islamabad: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has expressed grave concern over the decision to open the Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal despite a historic water shortage in the Indus River. Calling the move “highly irresponsible” and a direct violation of inter-provincial harmony, Senator Rehman demanded immediate closure of the canal and convening of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) to address the crisis.

“It is extremely irresponsible to open the controversial Taunsa-Panjnad Link Canal amid a 50% water shortage,” she said. “This decision flies in the face of cooperative federalism and threatens the livelihood of millions in Sindh. We cannot allow Sindh’s rightful share of water to be diverted under any circumstances.”

The impact of the water crisis is already being felt on the ground. According to farmers in Larkana, Dadu, and Kamber Shahdadkot, water supply from all three canals off the Sukkur Barrage has been shut for over fifteen days. At Makana, flow has dropped to just 6,000 cusecs. The region’s trailing belt, vital for rice cultivation, is parched ahead of the Kharif season, raising serious concerns over food security.

Senator Rehman underscored that the Indus River is already experiencing record-breaking shortages, with current levels setting a 100-year low. “Such actions, undertaken during a severe crisis, are tantamount to stealing the rights of Sindh’s people,” she said.

Condemning IRSA’s role, Senator Rehman said, “IRSA’s partiality is now undeniable. Its decisions are inflicting serious damage on Sindh. We demand transparency, accountability, and fairness in the distribution of Pakistan’s lifeline—its water.”

She further added that any step to construct new canals without consensus is deeply problematic and warned of devastating ecological and socio-economic consequences. “Six new canals will turn Sindh’s fertile lands into barren deserts,” she cautioned. “Inequitable water distribution will impact millions of farmers, exacerbate inter-provincial tensions, and hurt the federation.”

Senator Rehman reiterated the PPP’s clear and consistent stance on the matter, emphasizing that President Asif Ali Zardari in his address to joint houses of the Parliament had already voiced strong opposition to carving out any new canals from the River Indus. “The President urged the federal government to halt work on such controversial projects and instead engage in meaningful consultations with all provinces. He has categorically warned that unilateral actions on this issue could have serious repercussions for national unity.”

Senator Rehman underlined the PPP’s extensive efforts to counter this project at every political and legislative forum. “PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will address a major jalsa in Hyderabad on April 18 to mobilize public resistance against these anti-Sindh actions. Faryal Talpur has unequivocally stated at a public meeting at Rawal House that the people of Sindh and PPP workers will never allow these six canals to be constructed. The Sindh Assembly also unanimously passed a resolution in March opposing the project, calling for an immediate halt to any ongoing activity unless consensus is reached with Sindh,” she added.

“In the Senate, I moved an adjournment motion on this issue, demanding accountability for the unconstitutional move to divert water from the Indus without provincial consultation. The PPP is standing firm in Parliament, in the assemblies, and on the streets to defend Sindh’s water rights. We are not passive observers — we are leading this fight.”

Calling for immediate redressal, Senator Rehman concluded, “It is imperative to convene a CCI meeting without delay. Sindh’s position is clear, and we will stand firm to protect the province’s rights. Water theft will not be tolerated.”