ISLAMABAD-UNS:: President Human Rights Cell, Pakistan Peoples Party, former Senator Farhatullah Babar and General Secretary Malaika Raza, held a press conference at the Central Secretariat of the PPP, Islamabad on Friday, highlighted the growing water crisis and controversial project new canals on River Indus.
Farhatullah Babar emphasized that water is a basic human right and the issue is becoming increasingly scarce due to climate change. “The River Indus is our lifeline, and without it, Pakistan cannot survive,” he said. “In the last decade, glaciers have melted 65% more than the normal and the River Indus depends on these glaciers.”
Farhatullah Babar criticized the federal government’s plan to build six new canals, questioning where the water would come from for these canals. “The 1991 water distribution agreement was made in consultation with all provinces, and we cannot violate it,” Babar said.
He pointed out that the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) lacks representation from Sindh, and the decision to build canals is not constitutional. “There is no fight between provinces over water; this is a national issue that needs to be addressed through the Council of Common Interests (CCI),” he emphasized.
Farhatullah Babar urged the government to consult farmers, declare a drought emergency and prioritize water conservation. “According to the constitution, the President cannot sign or approve any development” he stated. He said that we are not spreading provincial bias but highlighting the growing water problem that affects everyone and called for immediate action to address the crisis.
Malaika Raza while addressing the press conference criticized the federal government’s plan to build six new canals, referring to severe water shortage in the country. She warned that the proposed canals would negatively impact cities of Punjab like Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalpur, Okara, and Sheikhupura. She said that experts estimate that 14-15% of water is wasted in the canal system thus with these new canals the wastage will go up to 40%.
Ms. Raza expressed concern over the federal government’s non-serious attitude towards water shortage questioning their decision-making process. She also stated that the country is already going through chaos and PML-N should focus on real problems of the people instead of planning controversial projects. She also highlighted the water shortage in Islamabad, where many residents are struggling to get the water according to their need, yet the government remains unmoved.
“The PPP has always stood firm for the people of Pakistan, advocating for their rights and playing a key role in stabilizing the government,” Malaika Raza said. “We urge the federal government to prioritize water conservation over canal construction”, Ms. Raza concluded.
