Tensions within Pakistan’s governing coalition are escalating as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) intensifies its opposition to the contentious Indus River canal project, creating a growing rift with its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Sources within the PPP have indicated to ARY News that the party is actively engaging with various political factions to introduce a unified resolution in the National Assembly to block the canal’s construction. In a notable political development, the PPP has expressed support for an anti-canal resolution previously proposed by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, labeling it a “positive development.”
The latest friction arose during a recent National Assembly session when PPP lawmakers protested the exclusion of their resolution concerning the canal project from the day’s agenda.
Shazia Marri, PPP spokesperson and a member of the National Assembly, voiced strong criticism against the federal government’s handling of the matter, cautioning against potential instability.
“The manner in which this [canal] issue is being addressed by the federal government, the dismissive tone, and the irresponsible statements emanating from one province – we believe this is an attempt to incite unrest in Pakistan. We fear peace is at risk,” stated Marri on the House floor.
The Indus River canal project has emerged as a significant point of contention between the PML-N and the PPP, both key constituents of the current ruling coalition. While the PPP has articulated serious reservations regarding the initiative, the PML-N has accused its coalition partner of leveraging water issues for political advantage.
The federal government’s $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative outlines the construction of six canals aimed at irrigating 1.2 million acres in southern Punjab. However, officials and residents in Sindh province have voiced strong objections, expressing concerns that the new canals will lead to the diversion of their allocated share of Indus River water.
Last week, PPP leader and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah issued a firm warning, stating that the province would not permit the project to proceed without its explicit consent.
“If the canal project moves forward without Sindh’s approval, the PPP may withdraw its support for the federal government,” Shah declared during a press briefing.
The project has also ignited widespread public dissent, with activists, political figures, civil society organizations, trade unions, and literary bodies uniting to demand the immediate cancellation of the canal project, citing potential adverse environmental impacts and concerns regarding regional equity. (Source: IANS)
