Serious efforts underway to build consensus on canals issue: Azma

LAHORE:Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that Punjab does not need any external dictation regarding the use of river floodwaters.

She stressed that no canals have been constructed yet and serious efforts are underway to build consensus. She emphasised that Punjab is fully sovereign in utilising its own resources and that Sindh has no right to object to Punjab’s development projects. Addressing a joint press conference at DGPR alongside Punjab Agriculture Minister Syed Muhammad Ashiq Hussain, Azma Bokhari clarified that the proposed canal project is still under consideration and only excess floodwater—usually wasted—will be utilised.

This initiative aims to benefit farmers and promote agricultural development. She stressed that no canals have been constructed yet and serious efforts are underway to build consensus. “Differences cannot be resolved through threats; dialogue is the way forward,” she said. Azma Bokhari further said that the PPP has ruled the province Sindh for the past 16 years, farmers there still face fundamental issues.

“If PPP resorts to misleading statements, we will not remain silent. Every allegation will receive a fitting response,” she warned. Referring to Nadeem Afzal Chan, she remarked, “A man who abandoned Bhutto’s party to become a favourite and a cabinet member of Imran Khan is now preaching others. One should look in the mirror before throwing stones.” She added, “I have a strong response for Chan, but that’s for another time.”