PPP Tables Resolution in Sindh Assembly Against Amendments to IRSA Act

Karachi: President of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Sindh, Nisar Khuhro, on Monday presented a resolution in the Sindh Assembly opposing proposed amendments to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act and the non-implementation of the 1991 Water Accord.

Speaking on the floor of the assembly, Khuhro strongly rejected any changes to the IRSA Act, stating that the people of Sindh will not tolerate such amendments. He emphasized that water management is a provincial subject, and no changes to the law can be made without the consent of the provinces.

“No serving or retired bureaucrat should be appointed as Chairman of IRSA,” Khuhro argued, urging the federal government not to take actions that could weaken the federation.

He further pointed out that all provincial chief ministers had endorsed the 1991 water accord, which remains crucial for equitable water distribution among provinces.

Khuhro expressed concern about Sindh’s ongoing water crisis, stating that large areas of the province are not being cultivated due to insufficient water supply. “Water is being provided in rotation, leaving tail-end areas severely affected,” he said.

Referring to the legal rights of provinces over water distribution, Khuhro asserted that Sindh, being at the tail-end of the river system, should have the primary right to water. He criticized IRSA for failing to distribute water according to ‘para-ii’ of the water accord. “If there’s a water shortage, the reduction should apply to all provinces equally—why is only Sindh being subjected to this injustice?” he questioned.