LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed has voiced serious concerns over the Punjab government’s controversial canal project, questioning its feasibility and long-term impact on farmers. Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Ahmed highlighted the critical issue of water scarcity and its implications on agricultural sustainability, particularly in Balochistan and Cholistan. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari hits back to Chaudhry Manzoor’s presser in an instant Press Conference.
Key Issues Raised by Chaudhry Manzoor Ahmed : Ch. Manzoor vs Azma Bokhari
Ahmed emphasized that water availability is decreasing over time, with Pakistan already facing a 20% shortage in its water distribution system. He noted that there is no extra water available in the system, making the Punjab government’s plan to extract new canals highly questionable.
“The flood season lasts only 90 days, from July to September. Will the government provide water for cultivation in Balochistan for just three months? What will farmers do for the remaining nine months?” he asked, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the PPP-led government’s agricultural policies.
The Controversy Over Canal Restoration
Ahmed also questioned the proposed restoration of 14-D canals, asking the Punjab Chief Minister to clarify which canals will be used to supply water to Cholistan. “More than 14,000 cusecs of water are required for Cholistan. Where will it come from?” he challenged.
He further pointed out that water is a major dispute between Pakistan and India, and that managing internal water resources efficiently should be a top priority. “The Punjab government wants to extract canals against the existing system, which is impractical given the current water shortages,” Ahmed added.
Azma Bokhari Responds to PPP Criticism
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari responded to Ahmed’s remarks, advising PPP leaders to direct their questions to President Zardari rather than Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz. Bokhari criticized the PPP for politicizing water issues and urged them to resolve internal disagreements over the ownership of water resources. She questioned whether Ahmed, a Punjab resident, was willing to advocate for the province’s rights and accused the PPP of failing to garner support from farmers.
Bokhari defended Punjab’s role in water distribution, asserting that the province has always acted as an elder brother and upheld justice. She reiterated that Punjab neither infringes on others’ rights nor allows its own rights to be taken away. Bokhari called on the PPP to refrain from dragging internal disputes into the media and focus on constructive dialogue.
The canal project continues to spark debate, with both sides presenting strong arguments. As the issue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will address the concerns raised by Ahmed and other stakeholders.
The Way Forward: Ch. Manzoor vs Azma Bokhari
With tensions escalating over the controversial canal project, stakeholders from both Punjab and Sindh remain divided. The issue is expected to spark further debates in political and agricultural circles, as water management remains a critical concern for Pakistan’s agricultural future. Whether the Punjab government will address these concerns transparently or continue with its canal expansion plans remains to be seen.
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