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 sides have revived debates over several issues, including the canal project that was earlier postponed pending consensus. Most political parties in Sindh construed the Punjab CM’s statements as a fresh assault on the decision of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in April this year. The CCI had effectively put off consideration of the canals project indefinitely.

The so-called strategic canals plan had led to widespread protests by political parties, farmers’ associations, lawyers’ forums, and civil society. At its peak, the protests included a protracted blockade of inter-provincial highways. A hurriedly convened, overdue meeting of the CCI then endorsed the federal government’s policy, stating that the government would not proceed further until mutual understanding among the provinces is achieved.

The CCI’s statement also said: “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 in its meeting dated January 17, 2024, be returned.” The Planning Division and IRSA were directed to ensure consultation with all stakeholders, in the interest of national cohesion, and to address any concerns until mutual understanding is reached.

Article 155 of the Constitution mandates the CCI to mediate disputes concerning water between the federation and the provinces or between provinces themselves. As a constitutional forum, its decisions are binding on all stakeholders. The recent statements by some Punjab government leaders have triggered renewed debate in Sindh.

Historically, representatives of the Sindh and Punjab governments reached a draft agreement in 1945; however, the Punjab government did not ratify it. Under the Indus Water Treaty, eight link canals were built to divert substantial amounts of water for irrigation, with two of these directly transferring water away from the Indus River.

Acrimony over water sharing between Punjab and Sindh has persisted for decades. This continued until the Water Accord of 1991 was signed. Many in Sindh had reservations about the accord, pointing to the questionable political legitimacy of the Jam Sadiq Ali government. Allegations have since arisen that the accord has not been implemented in letter and spirit.

Today, IRSA prepares water shortage forecasts in early Kharif 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 as well as other stakeholders.

Recently, the Sindh High Court stopped the federal member of IRSA—belonging to Punjab—from performing duties. Clause C of the executive order issued by the Pervez Musharraf government on July 10, 2000, had reserved this position for an expert from Sindh. This order was protected under Article 270-AA of the Constitution, which safeguards chief executive orders. However, a federal member from Punjab was appointed in 2010.

Disputes over river flows and water apportionment are common worldwide. Upstream states or regions are typically accused of usurping the share of downstream counterparts. For example, in 1948, India used its upstream location to coerce Pakistan into an agreement that deprived it of three eastern rivers. More recently, India has unilaterally suspended the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), causing concern, particularly among the people of Sindh.

Pakistan also receives approximately 20 million acre-feet (MAF) of water from the Kabul River. This 700-kilometer-long river rises in the Sanglakh range located in the mountains northwest of Kabul. It passes by 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 and actions do a great disservice to the federation.

It is imperative that all stakeholders come together in good faith to seek mutually acceptable solutions to water-sharing disputes, ensuring national cohesion and sustainable resource management for the future.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1350028-politics-turning-parochial