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PPP’s Nisar Khuhro Criticizes Maryam Nawaz’s Canal Remarks as CCI Violation
PPP’s Nisar Khuhro rebukes Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz over canal project remarks, calling them a “violation of CCI’s decision” and an attack on Sindh’s water rights.
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by Muhammad Hashir
2025-10-04
PPP’s Nisar Khuhro Criticizes Maryam Nawaz’s Canal Remarks as CCI Violation

The political row between the PPP and PML-N deepened on Saturday as PPP Sindh President Senator Nisar Khuhro launched a scathing attack on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, accusing her of violating the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision on the contentious canal project and insulting the constitutional forum.

The controversy erupted earlier this week when CM Maryam dismissed the PPP’s concerns over Punjab’s flood compensation and water projects, telling the party to “keep its advice to itself.” The PPP responded by boycotting parliamentary proceedings in protest. Though senior PPP and PML-N leaders met in Islamabad to defuse tensions, CM Maryam categorically refused to apologise, further fuelling the dispute.

In his statement today, Khuhro said Maryam’s remarks regarding the shelved canal project were unconstitutional. “The CCI, a constitutional forum, has already rejected and buried the controversial canal project. Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz is not above the CCI’s constitutional forum,” he said.

The senator stressed that Sindh, being at the tail end of the Indus River system, holds the first right to its waters. “Any attack on Sindh’s share will be considered an attack on the unity of Sindh and the country,” he warned. He alleged that Maryam was “frightened by PPP’s growing popularity in Punjab,” which explained her criticism of the Benazir Income Support Programme’s role in flood relief.

Khuhro demanded that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif take notice of his daughter’s remarks and clarify the party’s official stance. He also criticised the Punjab government’s flood response, calling Maryam’s claims of relief “hollow and limited to TV appearances,” while victims still awaited substantial aid.

The now-shelved six-canals project has been a longstanding source of friction between Punjab and Sindh. Initially launched by CM Maryam Nawaz alongside Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, the initiative was later struck down by the CCI following strong objections from Sindh.

Khuhro emphasised Sindh’s resolve, stating: “Sindh will not allow anyone to plunder the waters of the Indus River, nor will it permit the construction of any dam on it.”

Meanwhile, in a separate development, UNICEF announced that the United States has committed $1 million to support flood response in Pakistan. The assistance aims to reach over 65,000 people, including children and pregnant women, with critical nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene services.

UNICEF said the funding would help screen 32,500 children for malnutrition, treat 2,000 suffering from severe acute malnutrition, and provide multi-micronutrient supplements to children and mothers. It also pledged to restore damaged water systems, install temporary toilets, and distribute hygiene kits to more than 50,000 people.

“Children are always the most vulnerable in emergencies,” said UNICEF Representative Pernille Ironside. “This timely support from the United States enables us to deliver life-saving services and help restore dignity and hope to families who have suffered loss and displacement.”

The twin developments highlight Pakistan’s ongoing struggle with flood devastation as well as the intensifying political battle over water rights and provincial autonomy.
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