Sindh accuses IRSA of violating water deal amid growing shortage

The Sindh government on Sunday protested the ongoing water shortage and accused the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) of unfairly reducing the province’s share of water, calling on the federal government to intervene immediately.

In a statement, Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said Sindh was facing a water shortage of 22 percent for several days, with shortages of 42 percent at Guddu Dam and 29 percent at Kotri Dam.

“The recent conduct of IRSA constitutes a violation of the 1991 water agreement and a gross injustice to the people of Sindh,” Memon said.

He said the reduction in Sindh’s water share created serious risks for Karachi, whose water supply depended on the Indus river system.

“The unfair reduction in Sindh’s water share creates serious risks even for Karachi, the economic hub of the country,” he said, adding that the city was already facing a significant gap between water demand and supply.

Memon accused IRSA of ignoring Sindh’s objections and further reducing the province’s allocation on the principle of “equalization of shortages”.

“IRSA is further reducing Sindh’s share in the name of equalizing shortages, which is unacceptable,” he said.

The minister said Sindh had repeatedly argued that additional water entering the river system due to extraordinary rainfall could not be deducted from the province’s allocated share.

“The IRSA decisions continue to reinforce the perception that Sindh is subject to discriminatory treatment,” he said.

Memon stressed that Sindh’s rights under the 1991 water allocation agreement should be fully protected.

“No province can benefit from a preference over another province’s share,” he said.

He also questioned the transfer of water through the Chashma-Jhelum and Taunsa-Panjnad link canals, as dams, canals and agricultural areas in Sindh continue to face shortages.

“When the province’s dams and canals are suffering from shortages, why prioritize link canals? he asked.

The minister said the problem was no longer limited to agriculture and had become a challenge for urban centers as well.

“Drinking water supply to Karachi and other cities of Sindh is directly linked to the Indus river system,” he said.

Memon warned that reduced flows at Kotri Dam and its associated canals could affect Karachi’s water supply system and increase the risk of disruption to residents.

“The impacts of water shortages will also be felt on Karachi’s drinking water supply, industries and overall economic activity,” he said.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, the minister urged the federal government to immediately take cognizance of the IRSA’s decisions.

“We demand that the federal government takes practical steps to ensure that Sindh receives its full and rightful share under the 1991 water accord,” he said.

Memon said that the Pakistan Peoples Party and the Sindh government would not compromise on Sindh’s water rights.

He also called on IRSA to review its decisions, saying any reduction or unfair distribution of Sindh’s water share was against the interests of the province.

Separately, Memon criticized the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), accusing the party of trying to revive its politics through what he called baseless allegations and outdated narratives.

Responding to a press conference of MQM-P leaders, he said the party’s politics historically revolved around slogans, accusations and creating crises.

“Even today, MQM repeats the same old approach,” he said.

Memon alleged that the party had sought to create controversy around provincial autonomy, constitutional powers and local government system.

Defending the Sindh government’s development initiatives in Karachi, he said projects such as Yellow Line and Shahrah-e-Bhutto reflected the government’s commitment to practical work.

“The Yellow Line, Shahrah-e-Bhutto and other projects are proof that the Sindh government believes in practical work,” he said.

He added that legal or administrative disputes related to public spaces should be resolved by courts and competent institutions.

The minister said individuals who had contributed to the city’s problems through ineffective governance and interest-driven politics were now trying to present themselves as saviors.

“The Sindh government has not only delegated powers to local government institutions but also provided them with financial resources and legal support,” he said.

Memon maintained that Karachi belonged to all Pakistanis and not to one political party.

“Karachi is the economic center of Pakistan,” he said. “Those who make criticism of every development initiative their political weapon are in fact recognizing their own political decline. »