THATTA: Senator Sassui Palijo of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Friday said that the issue of unjust distribution of water among provinces and negative attitude of Irsa (Indus River System Authority) towards Sindh would be forcefully taken up on the floor of the upper house.

Speaking to local reporters and various delegations at Makli, she said she had already moved an adjournment motion and the PPP side intended to go for a debate on it during the next session to vehemently plead Sindh’s case.

She contested Irsa’s claim that Sindh was faced with a 34 per cent shortage of water for the Kharif season and argued that even today, the low-lying districts of the province like Thatta, Sujawal, Badin and parts of certain other districts were facing an acute shortage.

Senator Palijo regretted that Irsa appeared reluctant to pursue the implementation of the 1991 Water Accord in letter and spirit and hence ensure release of water to Sindh as per its provisions. She said Sindh had already registered its reservations in this regard.

Claiming that the Centre was obstructing flow of water to Sindh besides denying it adequate electricity and gas, she accused the federal government of pursuing its hidden agenda.

Commenting on the intensifying debate on the media and social media against the 18th constitutional amendment, Senator Palijo warned that repeal of the amendment would heighten the existing sense of deprivation among smaller federating units.

She said the people of Sindh would resist any such moves both in the elected houses and streets.

In reply to a question, she said an unacceptable water policy could not be thrust upon Sindh, adding that the federal government and Irsa would have to evolve a policy based on authentic facts and figures of requirement and demand. They would also have to incorporate Sindh’s recommendations in the policy, she added.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2018