Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon called on the federal government to address the unfair reduction in Sindh’s water share, emphasizing the need to uphold the province’s rights under the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord. He highlighted a 22% water shortage affecting Sindh over the past 10 days, exacerbated by efforts to equalize provincial shortages.
The Indus River Systems Authority (Irsa) has been limiting Sindh’s water releases, reducing Chashma diversions to 80,000–85,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) during critical periods. Memon criticized this as a “disregard for Sindh’s legitimate concerns,” arguing it violates the accord’s spirit.
According to Irsa’s Director Operations, Khalid Idrees Rana, the agency is adjusting water usage and aiming to balance shortages between Punjab and Sindh by June 10. He noted that rising temperatures could improve water availability in the coming days.
Memon warned that the severe shortage—42% at Guddu Barrage and 29% at Kotri Barrage—threatens Sindh’s agriculture and water supply, including Karachi. He stressed that the PPP and Sindh government would defend these rights through legal and constitutional channels.
The Sindh Irrigation Department, in a May 23 letter, stressed that Sindh’s unmet water indent since May 16—requested at 95,000 cusecs (May 16–20) and 110,000 cusecs (May 21–25)—has been further reduced to 80,000 and 85,000 cusecs. This, combined with extractions from the Chashma-Jhelum and Taunsa-Panjnad canals, risks agricultural losses during the critical Kharif season.
“This is a matter of great concern,” the letter stated, urging Irsa to fulfill Sindh’s indent and halt canal operations to prevent economic and agricultural damage.”