Punjab Accuses Sindh of Excessive Water Use – Punjab-Sindh dispute over water deepens – Pakistan

April 15, 2025​

In a letter dated April 9, 2025, the Punjab government has raised serious concerns over water distribution, accusing Sindh of drawing more than its allocated share from the Indus River system. The letter, addressed to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), highlights a declared 43% water shortage for early Kharif 2025, with Punjab allocated only 6.702 million acre-feet (MAF) of water.

Punjab’s Irrigation Department alleges that despite the shortage, Sindh has been consuming surplus water and underreporting discharges at its barrages. Inspections revealed discrepancies, such as the Rice Canal running at 936 cusecs while reported as ‘closed,’ and the Dadu Canal discharging 1,226 cusecs against a reported 950 cusecs. ​

The Punjab government has urged IRSA to ensure accurate reporting from Sindh’s barrages and to operate the CJ and TP link canals in accordance with Punjab’s indents. The letter emphasizes the critical nature of the water crisis, warning of potential unrest and economic hardship if equitable distribution is not ensured. ​

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