Canals matter to move forward after consensus: Rana Sana

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the issue of canals is not bigger than the Federation and it should be resolved through consensus.

He stated that if an agreement is reached, the matter will progress smoothly. The controversy over canal projects in Sindh has sparked tensions between the federal government and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led Sindh government.

The issue primarily revolves around the construction and expansion of irrigation canals, which Sindh officials argue could deprive the province of its due share of water. The PPP, which has historically been vocal about water distribution rights, fears that new canal projects will disrupt Sindh’s water supply and violate the Water Apportionment Accord of 1991.

In response to these concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, assuring him that the matter would be addressed through dialogue. According to Rana Sanaullah, the government is committed to resolving the dispute amicably, ensuring that the concerns of all provinces, particularly Sindh, are taken into account.

The issue escalated further when Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah warned that the PPP had the power to topple the government if the federal government did not reconsider the canal projects. He demanded that the prime minister immediately announce the termination of the project.

In response, Rana Sanaullah stated that the PPP should avoid reactions that could harm the Federation, urging the party to engage in constructive dialogue instead. He acknowledged that criticism of the project has intensified political divisions, but emphasized that political stability is crucial for addressing Pakistan’s broader economic and governance challenges.

Beyond the canals issue, Rana Sanaullah reiterated the federal government’s efforts to stabilise the economy. “The government is working to reduce electricity prices and provide maximum relief to the common man,” he said, highlighting the urgent need for national unity to overcome economic hardships. He stressed that the government has already taken steps to revive the economy and is implementing reforms to tackle inflation and energy shortages.

While speaking to Geo News, Rana Sanaullah urged PPP leaders to restrain their party members from making statements that could further strain relations with the Centre. He said that dialogue and negotiations remain the best approach to settling the dispute, reiterating that the federal government was open to discussing the matter with all stakeholders.