LARKANA, Nov 1: Senator Nisar Memon, chairman of the parliamentary water committee, has said those protesting in streets and assemblies are avoiding dialogue to resolve the water issue.

Speaking at a meeting of Pakistan Muslim League-Q activists here on Saturday, he said they should hold discussion to reach a consensus on the issue instead of taking to the streets.

He said under the national irrigation policy it would be ensured that Sindh water was not wasted.

He said the 1991 water apportionment accord had called for a study about water release downstream Kotri adding 10 million acre feet water was mandatory to be released into the sea.

He said the parliamentary water committee would meet in the second week of November in Islamabad where its members would discuss the situation to arrive at a consensus. The committee’s findings would be submitted before the parliament, he added.

Mr Memon who, is also chief organizer of the Sindh PML-Q, said after visiting different areas and holding consultation with people he would submit a comprehensive report to the PML-Q leadership about the party. He said the main ingredients of democracy — freedom of speech, freedom of press, social justice, economic reforms and political reforms paired with giving respect to political activists — would be included in the report he would submit in three months.

Senator Memon appealed to the president to announce a package for Larkana as had been done for Karachi and Hyderabad.