Sindh protests water shortage, accuses IRSA of unfair distribution under 1991 Accord

The Sindh government has raised serious concerns over a continuing water shortage in the province, accusing the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) of unfair water distribution and violations of the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said IRSA’s recent decisions amount to a “clear injustice” to the people of Sindh and violate the spirit of the 1991 water-sharing agreement. He alleged that the province is being subjected to an artificial and unjustified reduction in its water share.

Memon stated that Sindh has been facing a 22 percent water shortage over the past several days. He added that shortages have reached 42 percent at Guddu Barrage and 29 percent at Kotri Barrage, creating severe difficulties for both agricultural and urban water supply systems.

He warned that the unfair distribution of water is also posing a serious threat to Karachi, an economic hub that depends heavily on the Indus River system for its water needs. According to him, Karachi is already facing a wide gap between water demand and supply, and any reduction in Sindh’s allocation directly worsens the crisis.

The minister criticized IRSA for allegedly ignoring Sindh’s objections and continuing with what he described as a “so-called equalization” process that reduces the province’s share. He maintained that excess flows resulting from unusual rainfall should not be deducted from Sindh’s allocated share under the 1991 accord.

Memon further alleged that IRSA’s decisions are reinforcing perceptions of discrimination against Sindh. He stressed that no province can be given priority over another and demanded full implementation of the water-sharing formula agreed in 1991.

Highlighting irrigation concerns, he said that while Sindh’s agricultural areas are suffering from severe shortages, significant volumes of water are being diverted through link canals such as Chashma–Jhelum and Taunsa–Panjnad. He questioned why these link canals are being prioritized when major barrages and canal systems in Sindh are already under stress.

He warned that the crisis is no longer limited to agriculture but has become a major urban challenge as well. Drinking water supply to cities across Sindh, including Karachi, is directly linked to the Indus River system, and reduced flows at Kotri Barrage are affecting municipal water systems.

According to Memon, the situation poses risks not only to household water supply but also to industries and broader economic activity in Karachi. He said the worsening shortage could have far-reaching consequences for urban life.

Calling the situation unacceptable, the minister urged the federal government to immediately review IRSA’s decisions and ensure Sindh receives its rightful share under the 1991 agreement. He said the Sindh government and the Pakistan Peoples Party would continue to defend the province’s water rights at all constitutional, legal and democratic forums.

“The people of Sindh demand that IRSA must review its decisions,” Memon said, adding that any unfair reduction in the province’s share is against the interests of the entire region.