KARACHI, March 5, 2025 The Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) has strongly opposed the issuance of water availability certificates by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for canal projects, calling for their immediate withdrawal. In a press release issued today, the association condemned what it described as an unfair distribution of water resources, particularly affecting Sindh.
During a meeting of the SHCBA Managing Committee, presided over by President Barrister Muhammad Sarfaraz Ali Metlo, members unanimously passed a resolution demanding an end to the One Unit water regime imposed on Sindh. The resolution highlighted that the current water allocation system, established in 1991-92, reduced Sindhs share from 60% to 42% and allowed decision-making through voting rather than consensus.
The association also criticized the composition of the Council of Common Interests (CCI), pointing out that Punjab has four out of eight members, rather than equal representation for all provinces. It called for amendments to the Water Accord of 1991 and the IRSA Act of 1992 to ensure that all upstream water projects require Sindhs consent, in accordance with the Sindh-Punjab Water Agreement of 1945.
The SHCBA urged the federal government to act as a neutral referee in water disputes, instead of favoring one province over another. The association reiterated its demand that water distribution policies be revised to protect Sindhs historical and constitutional rights.
- The press release was signed by multiple office bearers, including Vice President Muhammad Rahib Lakho, Honorary Secretary Mirza Sarfaraz Ahmed, and other members of the Managing Committee.
1 comment for “Sindh High Court Bar Association Opposes Water Allocation Decisions”