Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro has accused India of orchestrating a deep conspiracy to breach the Indus Waters Treaty, a move he warned could prove disastrous for regional peace. Speaking at an urgent press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, Shoro said India has unilaterally stopped all correspondence related to water and is making continuous efforts to break the treaty.
Historical Context of Water Disputes
Shoro recalled that in 1947, immediately after Pakistan's independence, water was used as a political weapon. He claimed India attempted to stop the flow of water to the newborn country, believing Pakistan would not survive. However, the people and powerful circles of Pakistan averted such conspiracies. The minister emphasized that the Indus River, named after Sindh, holds sacred status for Hindus, yet India is now plotting against the treaty.
Current Treaty Violations
According to the minister, the biggest problem today is India's non-compliance with the Indus Water Treaty (Indus Basin Agreement). He stated that if water on which Pakistani lands are settled is diverted, it would be a declaration of war. Shoro declared, 'We will not just sit and look at the United Nations when water is stopped. The time to beg the world is over; there will be no compromise on water now.'
Impact on Indus Delta and Climate Change
Shoro highlighted that water is already scarce due to climate change, and now there is talk of snatching away the remaining water. The most deadly and direct impact of this artificial shortage is on the Indus Delta. He warned that India's actions could lead to severe environmental and economic consequences for the region.
Other News: HEC Scholarships for Sindh University Students
In a separate development, 28 students of Sindh University's Laar Campus in Badin received financial assistance under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Need-cum-Merit Scholarship programme. Each student was awarded a cheque of Rs42,000, with a total disbursement of Rs1.176 million. Campus Coordinator Prof Dr Muhammad Tufail Chandio said the programme ensures talented students are not deprived of higher education due to financial hardships. The ceremony was organized by Dr Azeem Akhtar Bhatti, focal person for the Student Financial Aid Office, who highlighted the importance of financial support in enabling students to complete their education without undue economic burden.
