DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Tuesday urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to immediately release funds for the repair and rehabilitation of Chashma Right Bank Canal (CRBC).

Talking to a delegation here, he said that the deteriorating irrigation system was severely affecting agriculture in Dera Ismail Khan and Taunsa. He said that CRBC served as the backbone of agricultural economy of Dera Ismail Khan and Taunsa, but remained neglected for nearly two decades, resulting in significant damage to farming and livelihoods across the region.

JUI-F chief criticises govt for ‘neglecting’ agriculture sector

Mr Rehman said that the poor condition of the canal reduced water supply from the designated 5,000 cusecs to around 3,500 cusecs. He said that some influential landowners along the western bank of the canal were diverting large quantity of water, depriving farmers in the command area of their rightful share.

He said that water shortage and its inequitable distribution had left farmers living at the tail-end of the canal in Taunsa without sufficient irrigation water, while in some areas even drinking water had become scarce.

The JUI-F chief said that prolonged drought conditions forced many families to migrate, causing serious losses to agricultural production and rural economy. Referring to the protest by farmers, he said that thousands of growers from Taunsa had reached Dera Ismail Khan to demand an end to water theft.

Meanwhile, talking to a delegation of local journalists here, the JUI-F chief urged the district administration to reopen key roads and public recreational areas in Dera Ismail Khan. He said that closure of roads, public spaces and recreational facilities was not a solution to security challenges and could instead increase public frustration and undermine confidence in authorities.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2026