- Party’s Sindh President terms Maryam’s statement a ‘violation’ of CCI decision on canal project
- Urges Nawaz Sharif to clarify party’s stance on inter-provincial water rights, saying six-canal project buried after CCI rejection
KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh President Nisar Khuhro on Saturday lambasted Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz over her remarks on the contentious canal issue, terming them a “violation of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision and an insult to the constitutional forum.”
The clash between Sindh and Punjab — initially sparked by flood compensation — has now widened into a fierce dispute over Indus River water rights, after CM Maryam told the PPP leadership to “keep its advice to itself.” The rift prompted PPP lawmakers to boycott parliamentary proceedings in protest, while senior leaders from both sides met in Islamabad this week to defuse tensions.
The PPP delegation urged Maryam to “rethink her tone” when discussing inter-provincial water rights. However, the Punjab CM stood firm, declaring she would “never apologise,” while the PPP retorted that her government “does not represent the people of Punjab,” alleging it was a “product of Form 47.”
In a strongly worded statement, Khuhro said CM Maryam’s comments on the now-shelved six-canals project — earlier denied approval by the CCI — amounted to “disregard for a collective constitutional decision.” He said, “The CCI has already buried this controversial project. Maryam Nawaz is not above the constitutional forum and cannot overrule its decisions singlehandedly.”
Khuhro reminded that the CCI had unanimously resolved that no new canal project could be undertaken without consent from all provinces. “Sindh will not accept or allow any such project under any circumstances,” he stressed, warning that any attempt to divert Indus River waters would be seen as “an attack on Sindh’s rights and national unity.”
Accusing the Punjab CM of “lacking political maturity,” the PPP leader said her remarks reflected “disrespect for constitutional forums.” He called on PML-N President Nawaz Sharif to take notice of his daughter’s statements and clarify his party’s position on inter-provincial water sharing.
Khuhro further alleged that Maryam was “rattled by the growing popularity of the PPP in Punjab,” and was attempting to “politicise flood relief” to undermine the Benazir Income Support Programme. “Punjab is not the property of any single party — every political force has the right to operate there,” he maintained.
He also accused the Punjab government of making “hollow claims” about its relief operations. “Her performance exists only on TV. Flood victims in Punjab are still waiting for meaningful assistance,” he said, demanding that the provincial government disclose details of aid distribution.
Meanwhile, Unicef announced that the United States has committed $1 million to support emergency flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The funds will help deliver life-saving nutrition and water, sanitation, and hygiene services to over 65,000 people, including children and pregnant women.
Unicef said it would screen 32,500 children for malnutrition, treat 2,000 severely malnourished children, and provide multi-micronutrient supplements to children and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Over 50,000 people are expected to gain access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities through the initiative.
“Children are always the most vulnerable in emergencies,” said Pernille Ironside, Unicef’s representative in Pakistan. “This timely support from the United States will help restore dignity and hope for families as they begin the difficult journey of recovery.”
