The Sindh Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a decision that rejected the construction of six new channels on the Indus River, including the Cholistan channel, called them illegal and a violation of the water decision in 1991.

The resolution called on the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to stop all plans or activities related to these projects until all provinces, especially Sindh, are consulted to ensure their hiking rights are protected.

“This house requires immediate stop for all plans, activities or work related to the construction of the Cholistan channel and other channels on the Indus River System,” the decision stated. It also called for a dialogue between provincial stakeholders to ensure inter-province of wandering.

Cm Shah raises concerns for wandering rights

Sindh -Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah confirmed Sindh’s historical rights over Indus and warned against diverting its waters without consent.

“Sindh’s people have a legitimate claim about these rivers,” he said, stressing that no water can be taken without agreement from those who have been dependent on it for centuries.

He criticized the redirection of water from Punjab’s fertile countries to Cholistan and argued that it would have serious consequences for both provinces. “Will Punjab give his most productive regions, such as Charj Doab and Rachna Doab, the opportunity to dry up just to irritate a desert?” He asked.

CM also cited earlier agreements, including Sindh-Punjab Water Accord from 1945, which awarded a fixed proportion to Punjab, while the secured excess water floated to Sindh.

With growing concern over water buttonness, Shah urged all stakeholders to comply with historical agreements and secure a fair distribution to protect Sindh’s water resources.