Zardari Urges Halt on New Punjab Canals

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari urged the government to reconsider its plan to develop new canals in Punjab, warning that such unilateral policies create strains on the federation. Sindh opposes the project, fearing it will reduce its share of the Indus River water. Zardari called for consensus-driven solutions.

In a stern plea to the government, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday cautioned against its "unilateral policies," particularly the proposed development of new canals in Punjab. These projects, backed by the army and Punjab's provincial government, have ignited major concerns within the federation.

Zardari addressed the issue at the onset of the second parliamentary year, highlighting strong opposition from Sindh, a lower riparian that entirely opposes the new canal plans. The province's parties are actively protesting, fearing reduced water shares from the Indus River, which could severely affect local agriculture.

The president's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), holding sway in Sindh, has faced criticism for not pressuring the federal government to abandon the canal proposal. Still, Zardari insisted on seeking sustainable solutions through unanimous consensus, urging the government to halt the controversial initiative under the Green Pakistan Initiatives.