Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) lawmakers staged a walkout from the Senate on Tuesday in protest against the controversial Cholistan canal project, highlighting growing tensions within the ruling coalition over the issue.
The dispute centers around the canal project, inaugurated on February 15 by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, which aims to irrigate lands in south Punjab. The PPP, a coalition partner of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has strongly opposed the project, citing concerns over Sindh’s water rights.
As the Senate session began, PPP lawmakers exited in protest. Speaking afterward, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar assured that the canal project decision would be made in accordance with the Constitution and legal framework. He revealed that Political Adviser Rana Sanaullah had reached out to the Sindh government and PPP leadership, reaffirming the federal government's commitment to a constitutional resolution.
“Nothing will be imposed. Dialogue and consensus are the way forward,” Tarar said. He criticized the opposition for avoiding debate, urging them to engage constructively. “If you want to discuss the issue, we’re here to respond,” he added.
He also noted that consultations with coalition partners had already taken place under the Prime Minister’s directive, and broader multi-party talks were being considered for an inclusive solution.
Addressing political tensions, Tarar referenced the opposition’s defeat in the Tharparkar by-election, saying, “The people of Sindh have rejected you. Continuing this kind of politics will not benefit the country or democracy.”
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reiterated his party’s opposition, warning that if the canal project proceeds without Sindh’s consent, people would be forced to take to the streets. Speaking to media after offering condolences at Cardinal House on the passing of Pope Francis, Shah made it clear that no project harmful to Sindh’s interests would be tolerated.
“The Sindh government has not approved this project, regardless of who initiated it,” Shah said. “Since July, there has been no significant progress on the canal, and the PPP has opposed it at every level.”
He described the project as a threat to Sindh’s water rights, calling the River Indus the province’s lifeline. Shah also expressed concern for farmers, stating that even Punjab's farmers might refrain from wheat cultivation next year due to water concerns. He advocated for modern agricultural practices, pointing to China's higher wheat yields as an example.
The chief minister criticized the lack of progress in cotton production and even called for fact-checking the impacts of India’s Indira Canal using AI tools like ChatGPT. He urged peaceful protests and cautioned against road blockages that could inconvenience the public.
“This is a collective cause,” Shah concluded. “We are determined to protect our province and the country's long-term interests.”
