Balochistan and Sindh have reached an agreement to improve water supplies after months of concerns over irrigation shortages affecting farmers. The deal aims to provide relief to agricultural communities in Balochistan and strengthen cooperation between the two provinces.
A high-level delegation from Balochistan held discussions with Sindh authorities in Karachi. Both sides agreed on immediate measures and long-term cooperation to resolve the water shortage issue.
The Balochistan delegation included Irrigation Minister Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, along with provincial ministers Saleem Ahmed Khosa and Muhammad Khan Lehri. The officials highlighted the urgent need to protect crops and support farmers facing severe challenges.
Provinces Agree to Improve Water Supply
Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani said the agreement represents an important step for regional stability. He explained that farmers across Balochistan are facing serious difficulties due to limited irrigation water.
“Our farmers are facing a catastrophic situation with their crops on the line,” Umrani stated. “The leadership is fully aware of these anxieties, and we are fiercely committed to ensuring that Balochistan receives its exact constitutional and agreed share of water without delay.”
Meanwhile, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro assured the Balochistan delegation of cooperation. He said Sindh understands the difficulties faced by farming communities and will work to maintain water flows.
“We deeply understand the plight of Balochistan’s farming communities,” Shoro affirmed. “Sindh is committed to cooperation, and we will ensure that approximately 9,000 cusecs of water are maintained through the Pat Feeder Canal to protect these vital crops, true to the spirit of the 1991 Water Accord.”
Farmers Face Severe Agricultural Challenges
The agreement comes after serious concerns among farmers in Balochistan. Many agricultural areas have suffered from water shortages, putting crops and livelihoods at risk.
Communities in the Kirthar Canal command area have held protests for several weeks. Farmers warned that insufficient irrigation could damage standing crops and create financial difficulties for thousands of families.
Earlier, reports suggested that the Balochistan government considered legal action over alleged unfair water distribution. Officials had repeatedly contacted Sindh authorities to ensure the province received its allocated share.
Water Shortage Figures Highlight Crisis
Pat Feeder Canal Superintending Engineer Mudassar Khoso previously highlighted major differences between allocated and received water supplies.
According to him, Balochistan received only 0.365 million acre-feet (MAF) of water against its allocated share of 0.678 MAF. This created a shortage of around 0.310 MAF.
He also stated that Balochistan required 6,700 cusecs of water at RD-109 but received only 4,096 cusecs. Similarly, at RD-102, the province received 1,050 cusecs against a demand of 2,400 cusecs.
Khoso said he had requested authorities to review water flows allocated to Balochistan. However, he claimed that the response did not follow official procedures.
The new agreement between Sindh and Balochistan aims to address these concerns and ensure a more stable water supply for agriculture. The success of the arrangement will depend on effective implementation and continued cooperation between both provinces.
