Islamabad: The Government of Punjab has formally written a letter to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), raising concerns over what it claims is an unfair distribution of water among provinces.
According to the letter, there was an overall 16% water shortage for Rabi crops, with Punjab receiving 22% less water while Sindh was given 19% less than its share.
The letter also highlights a critical situation for Kharif crops, noting a 43% water shortage, with Punjab allegedly bearing the brunt of the shortfall, while Sindh faced a comparatively lesser cut. The Punjab government expressed concern that this unequal distribution is fueling unrest among its farmers.
In response, the Sindh government outright rejected Punjab's claims. Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro stated that Sindh is only demanding its rightful share of water under the 1991 Water Accord. He claimed that Sindh's canals suffered a 62% shortage in the first ten days of April, compared to Punjab’s 54%.
Shoro emphasized that the Water Accord mandates equal burden-sharing during times of water scarcity. He added that while Sindh urgently needs water for sowing cotton and rice, it is currently only able to supply drinking water. Meanwhile, wheat harvesting is underway in Punjab.
IRSA, on its part, has dismissed reports of favoritism towards Sindh. The authority stated that it ensures fair and regulated water distribution, adding that the concerns raised by Punjab will be thoroughly reviewed. IRSA emphasized that all provinces are collectively enduring water shortages and that blame games should be avoided, especially given the sensitive national situation.
Sources within IRSA reiterated that provinces have already utilized their allocated water during the Rabi season, and that distribution during the Kharif season is being done strictly according to regulations. The water distribution system, they noted, is automated and prevents any province from receiving excess water.
This latest clash comes amid controversy over Punjab’s new project to divert water through six new canals from the Indus River — a move that has significantly escalated tensions with Sindh. The water dispute has sparked widespread protests in Sindh, with the Pakistan People’s Party even threatening to withdraw from the federal government.
Meanwhile, another major controversy is brewing over the Mines and Minerals Bill, which has reignited debates over control and distribution of resources. Just yesterday, the head of a nationalist party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Aimal Wali Khan, held a fiery press conference threatening to launch a separatist movement in response to the ongoing disputes over resource management.
