SHC suspends IRSA water certificate for six canals project

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday suspended the water availability certificate for canals issued by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), following a petition challenging the constitutionality of the authority and its decisions.

The petition, filed by Senator Zameer Ghumro, raised objections over the legality of IRSA’s composition, pointing out that the federal member representing Sindh had not been nominated.

"The constitution of the river authority is illegal, rendering all its subsequent decisions unlawful," the petitioner contended.

The contentious water availability certificate, issued on January 24, was meant for the construction of Thall Canal Phase II and the Cholistan Canal.

The IRSA had approved water supply to the Cholistan Canal System project, despite Sindh’s strong opposition.

The authority’s member from Sindh formally recorded a note of dissent, expressing disagreement over the approval.

During the hearing, the federal government sought additional time to submit its response.

The court accepted the request and directed the government to present a detailed reply by April 18.

Advocate General Sindh argued that construction activities on the canal projects should cease following the court's restraining order.

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The controversial canal project has ignited widespread protests across Sindh.

Political and religious parties, nationalist groups, and civil society organisations have staged rallies, voicing strong opposition to the canal construction and demanding the immediate withdrawal of the project.