KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has criticised the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for what he called an “unjust” reduction in Sindh’s water share, urging the federal government to immediately take notice of the province’s worsening water crisis.
Memon said Sindh has been facing a 22% water shortage, with the shortfall rising to 42% at Guddu Barrage and 29% at Kotri Barrage. He warned that the situation is hurting farmers, threatening drinking water supplies, and putting additional pressure on Karachi’s already strained water system.
The minister accused IRSA of ignoring Sindh’s objections and reducing the province’s allocation through what he described as an unfair “equalisation” process. He said any excess flows caused by unusual rainfall should not be deducted from Sindh’s rightful share under the 1991 Water Apportionment Accord.
Memon also questioned the continued supply of water through link canals, including Chashma–Jhelum and Taunsa–Panjnad, at a time when Sindh’s barrages and canals are under stress. “No province should be given priority over another,” he said, adding that Sindh would defend its water rights through constitutional, legal and democratic forums.
The dispute comes during the Early Kharif season, for which IRSA had earlier approved a 15% water shortfall, while Sindh’s anticipated Kharif 2026 withdrawal was set at 30.403 MAF.
Memon called on the Centre to review IRSA’s decisions and ensure full implementation of the 1991 accord, saying the crisis is no longer limited to agriculture but is now affecting urban life, industry and the wider economy.
