The Association of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCBAP) bar has been strongly opposed to the construction of six new channels in the Industry river, warning that the project could intensify interprorvincial tensions and worsen already disastrous water shortages in the Sindh.
During its sixth meeting of the 27th Executive Committee, held at the Directorate of the SCBAP register in Lahore, the Committee adopted a series of resolutions concerning the main national concerns, in particular the distribution of water, regional security and political disorders.
The committee unanimously disapproved of the proposed extraction, calling it as a potential flash point between Punjab and Sindh.
He urged the government to focus on reducing water waste rather than the construction of new infrastructure that could disrupt the fragile balance of existing resources.
“Instead of creating six new channels, complete efforts should be made to minimize water waste,” said the Committee, stressing that equitable water access for local farmers, in particular small landowners (Harries), must have priority.
The committee also called for strict action against long -standing power groups and quarrels that have monopolized the use of water.
He demanded a repression at the national level of individuals and entities involved in the flight of water, qualifying such actions a major obstacle to fair distribution.
Regarding internal security, the SCBAP expressed serious concern concerning the deterioration of the public order situation in Balutchistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).
While welcoming the recent announcement to put an end to the BNP-Mengal sit-in, the committee stressed that the grievances behind such demonstrations were to be treated by a sustained political commitment.
The committee congratulated the efforts of the president of the SCBAP, Mian Muhammad Rauf Atta, who led a political initiative to build a national consensus on the challenges of Balutchistan.
Members encouraged him to continue to meet meetings with the main stakeholders to develop long -term solutions.
“Although progress has been made, there is still a lot to do,” said the committee. “Political negotiations and discussions remain the most viable path to reach peace and national stability.”
The Committee has also recognized the role of the federal government and other stakeholders in the fight against the concerns of Balutchistan, but stressed that an additional action is necessary to solve long -standing structural problems by inclusive dialogue.
SCBAP resolutions reflect growing calls within the communities of the legal and civil society of Pakistan for transparent governance, the equitable distribution of resources and political reconciliation in the marginalized regions.
Earlier, the president of the Pakistan Peoples (PPP) party, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari issued a strong warning to the federal government, declaring that controversial channel projects could endanger the unity of the federation.
He demanded that the federal authorities withdraw the proposed initiatives of the canal or risk losing the support of the PPP in the power coalition.
