ISLAMABAD - Former Senator Farhatullah Babar, President of the Pakistan Peoples Party Human Rights Cell, and General Secretary Malaika Raza raised serious concerns about Pakistan's worsening water crisis during a press conference held in Islamabad yesterday.

The PPP leaders highlighted the alarming decrease in water availability across the country while questioning Punjab's plans to construct six new canals without provincial consultation, which they argue violates the 1991 water-sharing agreement.

"Water is a basic human right, yet it's becoming increasingly scarce," said Babar. "It's beyond comprehension that while we face a severe water crisis, six new canals are being constructed in Punjab without consulting other provinces, which directly contradicts the 1991 agreement."

Babar emphasized that the water issue must be brought before the Council of Common Interests for thorough discussion, noting that the PPP has consistently advocated for solutions to public problems and stands firmly with farmers across the country.

The former senator described the Indus River as "Pakistan's lifeline," warning that the nation cannot survive without it. He presented concerning statistics about climate change impacts, noting that 65 percent more glaciers have melted in the past decade. These glaciers feed the Indus River, which supplies water to all provinces.

"Climate change has reduced rainfall while our population continues to grow, making the water problem increasingly serious," Babar explained. When questioning the source of water for Punjab's six planned canals, he mentioned that IRSA (Indus River System Authority) had provided certification, though he pointed out that IRSA currently lacks Sindh representation.

Babar clarified that raising these concerns wasn't about stoking provincial rivalries: "We are not spreading provincial prejudice; we're addressing a growing water crisis that affects everyone." He called for consultation with farmers and suggested that the situation may soon require declaring a drought emergency, adding that constitutionally, the President cannot sign off on such development projects.

General Secretary Malaika Raza reinforced these concerns, noting that water shortages extend to the capital itself. "There is already a shortage of water throughout the country. Even in Islamabad, drinking water is scarce, and what's available isn't clean," she stated.

Malaika Raza reiterated that the PPP stands with farmers and citizens across all provinces, including Punjab, emphasizing the party's longstanding commitment to addressing public concerns and protecting citizens' rights.

The press conference highlights growing tensions over water resources in Pakistan as climate change and population growth continue to strain the country's already limited water supply.