JSFM Stands Firm Against IRAS Act Amendments, Denounces River Construction Plans

The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) strongly opposes proposed amendments to the Inter-Provincial Rivers Authority System (IRAS) Act and construction on the Indus River. Led by Sohail Abro, they condemn these changes, alleging threats to Sindh's water rights and economy, while calling for united political action against what they term 'Punjab imperialism.'

The Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) has voiced its unyielding opposition to the planned construction activities on the Indus River, alongside the recent legislative changes to the Inter-Provincial Rivers Authority System (IRAS) Act proposed by the Pakistan People's Party, as reported by Dawn. JSFM Chairperson Sohail Abro, with the backing of prominent figures Zubair Sindhi, Amar Azadi, and others, has outrightly rejected these amendments.

The group argues that the proposed changes undermine equitable water distribution, exacerbating what they describe as 'Punjab imperialism.' The Indus River System Authority (IRSA), a critical entity in regulating the distribution of the Indus River system, is pivotal in this debate. JSFM leaders have urged a collective political response, calling on party activists to engage in protests to defend their water rights.

The statement emphasized the indispensable role of the Indus River for Sindh's agriculture, environment, and economy, as highlighted by Dawn. The JSFM warns that any interference with the river's natural course poses grave risks and has accused federal authorities of encroaching on Sindh's rights, thus harming its resources.

Sohail Abro and his colleagues have harshly criticized the amendments driven by the Punjab establishment and the People's Party, asserting that they violate Sindh's rights. They have called upon the Sindhi populace and leadership to consolidate their efforts to challenge this and intensify their political campaign for rights. The JSFM reaffirms its dedication to protecting Sindh's freedoms and resources, pledging to resist tendencies that might endanger provincial assets, as reported by Dawn.

In September, the Sindh Assembly, featuring members from various political parties, rejected the proposed IRAS Act amendments, demonstrating their commitment to preserving the region's water rights in accordance with the 1991 Water Accord. The body passed a unanimous resolution against the IRAS Act changes, describing them as incompatible with the Constitution and the federation's democratic principles, reported by ANI.

(With inputs from agencies.)