Punjab never stole a drop, says Rana Sanaullah in senate water debate

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central leader Senator Rana Sanaullah on Tuesday rejected accusations that Punjab was monopolizing water resources, declaring in the Senate that “Punjab has neither stolen nor intended to steal a single drop from its smaller provinces.”

Responding to concerns raised by Senator Nazir Ghumro, he emphasized that water was a national resource allocated under the National Water Accord, which clearly defines the share of each province. “Every province has the right to decide on the use of its allocated share of water,” he said.

Sanaullah argued that Punjab had always acted as an elder brother by making sacrifices, yet was unfairly branded a “water thief.” He urged lawmakers to settle such disputes in the Senate, which he described as the guarantor of the federation.

Turning to political relations, the PML-N senator underlined the strength of his party’s alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). He said the PPP was not only an ally in government but also a “longstanding partner in the joint struggle against the authoritarian project imposed between 2018 and 2022.” He added, “This alliance will continue to serve Pakistan’s betterment.”

Sanaullah further clarified that remarks attributed to the Punjab government should be viewed as part of constructive discussion, not provocation.