Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah today declared that the Pakistan Peoples Party possesses the strength and capability to halt the Cholistan project, emphasizing that this power will be exercised if necessary.
Addressing the media at the CM House, he affirmed the PPP’s readiness to protect Sindh’s rights, which he described as the rights of all Pakistanis. He noted that the Punjab government has not yet utilized the Rs45 billion allocated for the Cholistan Canal construction, acknowledging that the PPP’s voice has been heard. Shah also clarified that the opposition’s call for the PPP to remove the federal government will not be pursued.
‘We are prepared to go to any lengths to protect the rights of Sindh, which he described as the rights of the people of Pakistan. However, if our concerns are acknowledged, there should be no need for extreme measures,’ he remarked
Shah pointed out Pakistan’s acute water scarcity and stated that the Tarbela Dam has only reached its full capacity for 17 days in 25 years, while the Mangla Dam has filled to its capacity for only 4 days. He questioned the feasibility of new canals proposed by the federal government, given the current inability to fill existing dams.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the project’s estimated cost has risen from Rs. 218 billion to Rs. 225 billion, potentially increasing further. He stressed that the Cholistan Canal threatens Sindh and the nation, with three provinces already opposing it. He called on the Prime Minister to reject the project unless proper consultation is conducted, urging for a Council of Common Interests meeting to resolve the issue.
Shah also discussed the Green Pakistan Initiative, noting that Punjab has allocated 1.2 million acres for solar tube wells and corporate farming. Meanwhile, in Sindh, 54,000 acres have been designated for green projects, with cultivation underway. He emphasized the importance of projects benefiting both Sindh and the nation without new canal construction.
Regarding the Hyderabad-Sukkur Motorway, Shah offered a partnership with the federal government for its construction. He noted historical canal systems allowed for broader cultivation in Sindh, opposing the 1991 Accord due to its impact on water rights.
The CM reiterated that the Cholistan project has caused unrest in Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing the need for consensus-driven decisions. He concluded by discussing Karachi’s water issues and the K-IV project, highlighting efforts to secure funding and improve infrastructure to meet the city’s growing water demand.