PPP’s Irrigation Minister Ensures 6,800 Cusecs Water Supply in Pat Feeder Canal, Vows Action Against Water Theft

Quetta:Senior Provincial Minister for Irrigation and PPP leader, Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, has said that for the first time under his ministry, **6,800 cusecs of water** has been ensured in the Pat Feeder Canal to facilitate farmers, enabling timely wheat cultivation from October to January.

Speaking to the media, he said the government is committed to providing water on time so that growers can successfully cultivate their crops. He stressed that strict legal action is being taken to curb **water theft** and ensure fair distribution.

Umrani highlighted that the **PPP has always stood with poor farmers and peasants**, working to strengthen them economically by ensuring adequate irrigation and supporting agricultural growth. He said the government’s priority during recent floods was to protect human lives, homes, livestock, and crops. *“We safeguarded national assets like Guddu and Sukkur barrages by managing water flows effectively, preventing damage to structures, and easing water passage,”* he explained.

The minister said residents of **Naseerabad, Sohbatpur, and other areas** are facing hardships, but the government has tried to address their needs by ensuring water supply. He admitted that influential groups and mafias involved in illegal water courses are creating hurdles, staging protests, and collaborating with “terrorist facilitators,” but assured that **government operations have brought 50,000 acres under cultivation** and even led to large-scale rice farming in places like Mir Hassan.

He added that despite judicial orders creating challenges, his ministry closed down illegal water diversions and prioritized legitimate farmers. *“For the first time in 15 years, water has been supplied to Pat Feeder Canal at full designated capacity,”* he said.

Umrani also pointed out that while the government ensures water supply, **farmers are not fulfilling their responsibility of paying irrigation dues (Aabiana)** due to law and order issues in the area. Still, last year’s wheat production surpassed the target, and this year’s harvest is expected to be even higher.

*“We will not let mafias and water thieves obstruct our mission. PPP will continue to fight for farmers’ rights and take decisive action to ensure their livelihoods are protected,”* the minister concluded.