Omar Accuses Zardari of Selling Sindh’s Water: Explosive Allegations Rock Pakistan Politics

ISLAMABAD — In a shocking development, Omar Ayub Khan, the opposition leader in the National Assembly, accused President Asif Ali Zardari of “selling” Sindh’s water rights during a high-level meeting on July 8, 2024. The claim has triggered outrage across political and civil society circles.

“In that Green Initiative meeting at the President’s House, Zardari ‘sold’ Sindh’s water,” Omar declared during the Pakistan Stability Conference hosted by Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM).

According to Omar, minutes of the controversial meeting have surfaced on social media, and several government ministers have indirectly confirmed the contents, fueling speculations over water resource exploitation and federal overreach.

Details of the Alleged Green Initiative Meeting

Held at the President’s House, the Green Initiative meeting was reportedly convened to discuss environmental and agricultural sustainability. However, Omar Ayub Khan alleged that a hidden agenda was in motion — the unauthorized transfer of Sindh’s water rights to benefit elite-backed canal projects.

The alleged document leak has gone viral on social platforms, raising serious questions over constitutional rights of provinces and water sharing as per the 1991 Water Accord.

Learn more about the 1991 Water Accord

Controversy Over Indus River Canal Project

Omar further claimed that the PTI had submitted a resolution in the National Assembly on April 12 opposing a canal project on the River Indus, but it was deliberately removed from the Assembly records by the Secretariat.

“They erased our resolution from the record books. This is clear sabotage,” he stated.

The move, he claimed, was part of a broader scheme to suppress debate over the Indus canal project, which many fear could severely impact Sindh’s irrigation system and agricultural output.

Economic Criticism: Petrol Prices and Public Struggle

Shifting his focus to the economic front, Omar lambasted the federal government for failing to provide relief to the people despite a global drop in fuel prices.

“The government is using Balochistan’s development as an excuse while Rs900 billion in development funds are unutilized,” he said.

He accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of prioritizing political optics over public welfare, adding that inflation continues to choke the common man while the ruling elite remains unaffected.

Read how global oil trends impact Pakistan

Security Concerns and the Jaffar Express Hijacking

Touching on national security, Omar referred to the recent hijacking of the Jaffar Express in Balochistan as a “gross intelligence failure.”

He alleged that the security establishment is busy in political engineering rather than focusing on safeguarding national borders and internal law enforcement.

“The focus has shifted from protecting citizens to suppressing political dissent,” Omar asserted.

PTI’s Internal Solidarity and Political Pressure

Omar also addressed internal PTI matters and congratulated Raja Nasir Abbas on his re-election as MWM head, despite what he termed as “unseen forces and djinns” trying to prevent it.

“There was pressure from many corners, yet we stood firm. We need strong and resilient leaders like Raja Nasir in these times,” Omar emphasized.

MWM is a political ally of PTI, and this expression of unity comes at a time when PTI faces immense internal and external challenges.

Detentions and Alleged Political Victimization

Condemning the ongoing crackdown on PTI leaders and supporters, Omar claimed that hundreds are being held under false, politically motivated charges.

He specifically criticized the arrest of PTI Punjab organizer Aalia Hamza, warning the Inspector General of Punjab Police of legal and political repercussions in the event of a PTI return to power.

“We will ensure full accountability once we are back in office,” he vowed.

This comes amid international concerns over freedom of expression and fair political participation in Pakistan’s democratic landscape.

Conclusion: Rising Political Tensions

With accusations such as “Omar accuses Zardari of selling Sindh’s water” now dominating national headlines, Pakistan’s political climate has taken a sharp turn. The PTI continues to mount pressure on the federal government through legal avenues, public rallies, and strategic alliances.

Whether these allegations lead to judicial inquiry, public movement, or institutional reforms, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the issue of Sindh’s water rights is far from over.

 Internal Links:

• PTI Official Website

• National Assembly of Pakistan