KARACHI: Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has strongly condemned attempts to politicize the canal issue on the River Indus, commending Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his clear and firm stance on the matter.
Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Memon emphasized that Bilawal had conveyed a powerful message representing the people of Sindh.
Memon stated that the PPP chairman has categorically declared that the construction of new canals on the River Indus will not be allowed under any circumstances. He also highlighted the ongoing water shortage in the country, expressing uncertainty about where the Punjab government plans to create water reservoirs to meet growing demands.
“The people of Sindh will not tolerate any move that jeopardizes their water rights,” Memon asserted. He also stressed that no individual or group would be permitted to instigate anarchy or disrupt law and order over this issue.
Recalling previous actions on similar matters, Memon noted that former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf from Punjab had previously dismissed the proposal to construct the controversial Kalabagh Dam, while President Asif Ali Zardari had played a crucial role in distributing the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, ensuring fair allocation of resources.
Memon reiterated that the PPP is the only political party to have consistently highlighted the canal issue and advocated for the protection of Sindh’s water rights. “The people of Sindh would rather die than allow the construction of new canals on the River Indus,” he stated.
Sharjeel Memon also condemned recent remarks made by Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari, reiterating that such statements only serve to deepen divisions and hurt public sentiment. He warned that no one would be allowed to politicize this critical issue or make statements that could undermine public unity.
The Sindh Minister’s remarks come amid rising concerns over water distribution and resource management in Pakistan, and the PPP’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of the people of Sindh remains a key point of political discourse.
