The federal and Sindh governments have taken a step forward towards resolving the dispute over the Six Canals Project on the Indus River. This breakthrough came after the first direct communication between the two sides.
Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, initiated the contact by calling Sindh’s Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon. During the phone call, Rana Sanaullah assured Memon that the federal government is ready to open negotiations regarding the Six Canals Project.
He also shared that both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif have instructed that Sindh’s concerns must be properly addressed. They want the issue resolved in a peaceful and respectful manner.
In reply, Sharjeel Memon made it clear that the Sindh government has consistently presented its objections over the Six Canals Project at all important forums. He emphasized that both the people of Sindh and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) have serious reservations about the planned canals.
Sharjeel Memon stated that the PPP is demanding a just distribution of water under the 1991 Water Accord. He also confirmed that Sindh remains open to discussions with the federal authorities to defend its rightful share of water.
Earlier, PPP leader Shazia Marri strongly criticized the federal government’s move to proceed with the Six Canals Project. She called it a reckless decision at a time when Sindh and Balochistan are already suffering from severe water shortages.
Shazia Marri reminded everyone of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s harsh warning to federal officials against pushing forward with the controversial scheme. She reaffirmed the PPP’s firm opposition to the Six Canals Project, highlighting the growing concerns across the region.
The issue of the Six Canals Project remains a major political flashpoint between the federal and Sindh governments, but both sides now seem willing to sit at the negotiation table.
