Balochistan and Sindh hold high-level talks to resolve Canal Water shortage
Quetta, Senior Provincial Minister and Minister for Irrigation, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, led a high-level delegation to Sukkur on the directives of Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti to address the acute water shortage in the province’s green belt, particularly in the Pat Feeder and Kirthar canals.
The delegation included Provincial Ministers Mir Muhammad Saleem Khosa, Mir Muhammad Khan Lehri, and Irrigation Secretary Suhail-ur-Rehman Baloch. The visit aimed to hold discussions with Sindh’s irrigation authorities regarding the recent reduction in water supply.
After initial talks in Sukkur, the delegation proceeded to Karachi where formal negotiations were held with Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and Irrigation Secretary Zarif Ahmed Khehro. Other participants from Balochistan included Provincial Minister Sardar Faisal Khan Jamali, Chief Engineer Canals Qurban Ali Jatoi, Coordinator Sami Baloch, and Executive Engineer Pat Feeder Fareed Ahmed Pindrani.
During the negotiations, the Balochistan delegation insisted that Sindh must honor the 1971 agreement, which allocates 6,700 cusecs of water for Pat Feeder Canal and 2,400 cusecs for Kirthar Canal. They stressed that the shortage has severely impacted farmers and the agricultural community.
Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro assured the delegation that Balochistan’s share of water would be released without fail. He announced that an additional 700 cusecs would be provided to Pat Feeder Canal and 1,000 cusecs to Kirthar Canal to cover the shortfall. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to resolving issues through dialogue and mutual consultation.
Following the talks, Minister Jam Khan Shoro hosted a luncheon in honor of the Balochistan delegation.
Speaking to the media, Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani emphasized that the interests of Balochistan remain the government’s top priority. He acknowledged the economic hardships faced by farmers due to water shortages and assured that the provincial government is making serious efforts to protect their rights. “Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti and I are personally monitoring this issue on a daily basis. These negotiations in Sukkur and Karachi were aimed at finding practical solutions to the water crisis,” he said.
Sadiq Umrani also criticized certain political elements for spreading false propaganda to protect their own interests, urging the public to remain patient. He assured that water supply for rice cultivation and other essential needs would soon be restored.