KARACHI: Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued a stay order halting the construction of canals following a challenge to the water availability certificate issued by the Indus River System Authority (IRSA).

The court was hearing a petition questioning the legality of the certificate, which is required for canal construction projects. The bench has sought a detailed response from the federal government by April 18.

The IRSA had earlier approved the water supply for the Cholistan Canal System project, issuing a certificate that allowed the Punjab government to construct the canal, which branches from the Sutlej River at Sulemanki headworks. However, this move has been contested by Sindh, which has termed it “Unfair.”

Meanwhile, in a statement today, Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro called the court’s order a historic decision. He reiterated the provincial government’s demand to appoint a proper Sindh representative to IRSA and cancel the canal projects. The canal issue has sparked strong political reactions in Sindh, where local leaders argue that the province’s rights over water are being bypassed.