Islamabad– Tensions are escalating within Pakistan’s ruling coalition as the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) moves to oppose the controversial Indus River canal project, deepening the divide with its coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
According to party sources cited by ARY News on Friday, the PPP is actively seeking support from various political parties to introduce a joint resolution in the National Assembly opposing the canal construction. In a significant political shift, the PPP welcomed an anti-canal resolution proposed by the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, calling it a “positive development.”
The latest flare-up came after PPP lawmakers protested during a National Assembly session over the omission of their resolution on the canal project from the agenda.
PPP spokesperson and National Assembly member Shazia Marri strongly criticized the federal government, accusing it of mishandling the issue and warning of potential unrest.
“The way this [canal] issue is being dealt with by the federal government, the mocking tone, and the irresponsible statements being made in one province — we believe this is an attempt to ignite unrest in Pakistan. We fear peace is at risk,” Marri said on the House floor.
The canal project has become a major point of contention between the PML-N and PPP, both of whom are part of the ruling coalition. While the PPP has raised serious concerns over the initiative, the PML-N has accused its partner of politicizing water issues for political gain.
The federal government’s $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative aims to construct six canals to irrigate 1.2 million acres of land in southern Punjab. However, officials and residents in Sindh province have voiced strong opposition, fearing that the new canals will divert their share of Indus River water.
Last week, PPP leader and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah warned that the province would not allow the project to proceed without its consent.
“If the canal project moves forward without Sindh’s approval, the PPP may withdraw its support for the federal government,” Shah said during a press conference.
The project has also sparked widespread protests. Activists, political leaders, civil society groups, trade unions, and literary organizations have joined forces in demanding the immediate cancellation of the canal project, citing environmental and regional equity concerns. (Source: IANS)
