PPP and PML-N Clash Intensifies Over Canal Project Dispute

The political rift between coalition partners Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has deepened over the federal government’s proposed canal project, with heated exchanges, accusations, and growing public unrest in Sindh.

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari, speaking on Geo News’ “Geo Pakistan”, launched a scathing attack on the PPP, accusing it of politicizing the canal issue and misleading the public. “Why is the PPP not concerned about farmers in Sindh?” Bukhari questioned, pointing to the party’s 16-year rule in the province and its failure to deliver. She further warned, “If the PPP continues to distort facts, they will have to be answerable. Negotiations don’t happen through threats.”

At the heart of the dispute is the federal government’s Green Pakistan Initiative, launched in February, which includes plans to build six canals to irrigate the Cholistan desert in Punjab. The PPP, which governs Sindh, has fiercely opposed the project, citing concerns over water distribution and lack of consultation.

Although recent efforts for dialogue were made — with PM’s adviser Rana Sanaullah extending a negotiation offer to Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon — the situation remains unresolved. Bukhari clarified that no canal construction had yet begun and asserted that the project would utilize floodwaters rather than the regular irrigation supply. “Sindh cannot dictate to us how we use floodwater,” she added, ruling out project cancellation even if consensus is not reached.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah added fuel to the fire by stating, “We do not wish to topple the federal government, but we have the power to do so.” Bukhari responded by saying the PML-N had endured criticism during the caretaker setup and continues to show restraint.

Meanwhile, PPP leaders from Punjab held a press conference in Islamabad, openly challenging the canal initiative. Chaudhry Manzoor cited a 43% water shortage in the Indus River system and demanded clarity from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on how the project would be executed. He dismissed reports of President Asif Ali Zardari approving the plan, saying the president has no constitutional authority to greenlight administrative matters.

PPP’s Nadeem Afzal Chan also criticized the Punjab government, accusing it of selling land and schools, and warned against dividing provinces over the canal issue. “They call themselves heirs of Punjab, but they are heirs of Zia-ul-Haq,” he said.

The proposed project has sparked a major backlash across Sindh. In March, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the construction of the six canals. Protests have since intensified, led by the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), nationalist groups, lawyers, and civil society.

In Khairpur, a sit-in at Babarloi Bypass entered its sixth day, prompting PML-N Sindh President Bashir Memon to negotiate with demonstrators on behalf of the prime minister. Lawyers and civil rights activists have also formed a 14-member team to engage with the federal government.

Protests have spread to Hyderabad, Ghotki, Thatta, and other cities, where demonstrators have blocked roads and highways. In Ghotki, the national highway has been blocked for four days, disrupting goods transport and livestock trade. In Hyderabad, lawyers boycotted court proceedings, while in Kandhkot, a three-day sit-in has blocked the Indus Highway. Traffic flow between Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan has been severely disrupted.

Additional demonstrations are ongoing in Shikarpur, Dharki, Obaro, and Thatta. A protest camp has even been set up at Kamo Shaheed on the Sindh-Punjab border.

With political tensions rising and the public backlash growing, the canal project has become a flashpoint that could further strain the already fragile PPP-PML-N alliance.

Source: Web Desk