Staff Reporter:Â
QUETTA: A high-level delegation of Balochistan ministers visited Sukkur on Sunday to address growing concerns over the province’s water shortage, following protests by farmers who complained that insufficient water supplies were damaging their standing crops.
The delegation, led by Balochistan Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, included Provincial Ministers Saleem Ahmed Khosa and Muhammad Khan Lehri. During the visit, the ministers met farmers in the Kirthar Canal command area, where growers voiced concerns over water shortages affecting agriculture.
Following the meeting with farmers, the Balochistan delegation held detailed talks with Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and senior officials of the Sindh Irrigation Department to discuss the province’s share of water under the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord.
According to officials, the meeting focused on ensuring Balochistan receives its allocated share of water through the Pat Feeder Canal, a lifeline for thousands of farmers in the province. The two sides also reviewed water flows and agreed on measures to improve coordination between the irrigation departments of both provinces.
Speaking after the meeting, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership is fully aware of Balochistan’s concerns and is committed to ensuring the province receives its constitutional and agreed share of water.
He said Sindh officials assured the delegation that around 9,000 cusecs of water would be maintained through the Pat Feeder Canal in accordance with operational requirements and the spirit of the 1991 Water Accord.
The development comes amid longstanding concerns in Balochistan over water distribution, with farmers repeatedly urging authorities to ensure a fair and uninterrupted supply for irrigation.
