The war of words between some Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership is no longer confined to the two coalition allies. Showing a low tolerance threshold for each other, both sides have indulged in harsh exchanges after the PPP insisted on using the Benazir Income Support Programme as the main conduit for providing early relief to flood victims in Punjab. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz was quick to dismiss the suggestion.
In the ensuing tit-for-tat criticism, the two parties have revived debates over several issues, including the canals project that was earlier postponed pending consensus. Most political parties in Sindh construed the Punjab Chief Minister’s statements as a fresh assault on the decision of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in April this year, which had effectively put off consideration of the canals project indefinitely.
The so-called strategic canals plan had sparked a spate of protests by political parties, farmers’ associations, lawyers’ forums, and civil society. At its peak, these protests included a protracted blockade of inter-provincial highways. A hurriedly convened overdue meeting of the CCI subsequently endorsed the federal government’s policy, stating that the federal government will not proceed further until mutual understanding is evolved among the provinces.
The CCI’s statement also declared: the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council’s provisional approval dated February 7, 2024, for the construction of new canals, and the Indus River System Authority’s (IRSA) water availability certificate issued on January 17, 2024, should be returned. The Planning Division and IRSA were directed to ensure consultations with all stakeholders, in the interest of national cohesion, and to address any concerns until a mutual understanding is reached.
Article 155 of the constitution mandates the CCI to mediate disputes concerning water between the federation and provinces or among provinces themselves. Being a constitutional forum, the CCI’s decisions are binding on all stakeholders.
Recent statements by some Punjab government leaders have reignited the debate in Sindh. Representatives of the Sindh and Punjab governments had reached a draft agreement in 1945; however, the Punjab government did not ratify it. Under the Indus Water Treaty, eight link canals were constructed to divert substantial amounts of water for irrigation, with two of these canals directly transferring water away from the Indus River.
Acrimony over the sharing of river waters between Punjab and Sindh persisted until the Water Accord of 1991 was signed. Many in Sindh held reservations about the accord, citing the questionable political legitimacy of the Jam Sadiq Ali government. Since then, it has been alleged that the accord has not been implemented in its letter and spirit.
The IRSA now prepares water shortage forecasts in early Kharif season and uses a contested three-tier formula for water distribution. After IRSA issued a water availability certificate for the Cholistan scheme despite objections from Sindh, its credibility has been questioned by the Sindh government and other stakeholders.
Recently, the Sindh High Court stopped the federal member of IRSA (belonging to Punjab) from working. Clause C of the executive order issued by the Pervez Musharraf government on July 10, 2000, had reserved the position for an expert from Sindh. This order was protected under Article 270-AA of the constitution, which safeguards chief executives’ orders. However, a federal member was appointed from Punjab in 2010, exacerbating tensions.
River flows and water apportionment have been the subject of many disputes worldwide. Upstream states or regions are typically accused of usurping their downstream counterparts’ shares. In 1948, India used its upstream location to coerce Pakistan into an agreement that deprived it of three eastern rivers. Recently, India has unilaterally suspended the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), adding to regional concerns.
The people of Sindh are worried. Pakistan also receives approximately 20 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from the Kabul River, which originates in the Sanglakh Range mountains northwest of Kabul. The 700-kilometer-long river flows past Kabul and Jalalabad in Afghanistan before entering Pakistan.
Shared rivers are best acknowledged as shared resources. Several international treaties establish and protect the water rights of lower riparians. Given the highly polarized political landscape, irresponsible statements are a great disservice to the federation and its people. Constructive dialogue and cooperation are essential to managing these vital resources equitably and peacefully.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1350028-politics-turning-parochial