Irrigation Ministers of Sindh and Balochistan addressing a joint press conference: Photo Ismail Khan
Syed Ali Shah:
QUETTA: In a strong show of provincial unity, the irrigation ministers of Sindh and Balochistan jointly rejected the proposed amendment to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act, emphasizing the move as a violation of provincial autonomy and the Constitution. During a press conference held in Quetta, Provincial Irrigation Ministers Jam Khan Shoro of Sindh and Sadiq Umrani of Balochistan condemned the proposed changes, declaring them an attack on the water rights of both provinces.
The press conference followed a meeting chaired by Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti in Quetta, where the water-sharing dispute between Sindh, Balochistan, and the federal government was a central issue. The ministers highlighted how changes to the IRSA Act would impact the provinces, with Shoro noting, “Sindh has not been receiving water according to the IRSA Act, and this shortage has also affected Balochistan.”
The IRSA Act of 1992 governs the distribution of water between provinces under the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991. Both ministers argued that any amendment would negate the federal democratic structure, weaken provincial autonomy, and undermine the spirit of the 18th Amendment. Minister Umrani emphasized, “The proposed amendment is a direct attack on provincial rights. Provinces are the owners of their own water, and any changes to the act would erode this basic principle.”
Historically, WAPDA was responsible for water distribution, but the provinces have long objected to this arrangement, claiming it did not meet their water needs. With the recent push to amend the IRSA Act, the tension between the provinces and the federal government has escalated. The Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution a day earlier rejecting the amendment, and the Balochistan Assembly is expected to follow suit.
Jam Khan Shoro remarked, “Bringing such proposals is part of democratic governance, but this one directly contradicts the Constitution. We will not accept any move that diminishes our provincial rights.”
Both Sindh and Balochistan have urged the federal government to abandon the proposed amendment and instead focus on ensuring that water distribution remains fair, in line with the original agreements.
