Adherence to constitution key to strengthening federation & resolving water disputes: Muhammad Ali Durrani

ISLAMABAD, March 20 (SABAH): In a scathing critique of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), senior politician and former federal minister Muhammad Ali Durrani accused the party on Thursday of “selling the water of the Indus River and the rights of the people for Rs. 9 billion,” alleging that the PPP had compromised the interests of the people of Sindh for financial gain. 

During a candid discussion with senior journalists from Sindh, Muhammad Ali Durrani, a former senator, emphasized that the contentious issue of water distribution could only be resolved through strict adherence to the Constitution. He warned that the failure to uphold constitutional principles was exacerbating public resentment and deepening divisions among the federating units. 

Muhammad Ali Durrani also criticized the presidency, asserting that it had become a symbol of division rather than unity within the federation. 

Speaking on behalf of the people of Punjab, the former federal minister expressed solidarity with citizens across all provinces, vowing to stand firmly with them in defense of their constitutional rights. “If the ruling elite fail to support efforts to strengthen the federation, they will be remembered as criminals in history,” he warned. 

Citing remarks by Pir Pagara, the spiritual leader of the Hur clan, Durrani reiterated, “Pir Sahib unequivocally stated that we shall always support the ‘national interest,’ but cannot align with ‘larger personal interests.'” 

In a notable political development, Durrani highlighted the opposition’s alliance in the upcoming by-elections in Umerkot, Sindh—a seat vacated following the death of PPP MNA Nawab Yousaf Talpur. He described the alliance as the beginning of a unified political struggle for the future. 

Durrani also launched a sharp critique of the 26th Amendment, claiming it had effectively dismantled the Constitution, undermined the judiciary, and eroded democracy in the country. He argued that the amendment had left the rights of the people in a state of suspension, further deepening the crisis of governance. 

As the political landscape heats up, Muhammad Ali Durrani has emerged as the first prominent Punjabi leader to raise his voice in support of the people of Sindh, where a public campaign against the controversial canals project is gaining momentum.