The recent belated opening of Chashma Jhelum Link Canal by the IRSA has raised an uncalled for alarm in Sindh. The C M Sindh has taken up the matter with Prime Minister while C M Punjab has vowed not to compromise on the share of water for Punjab. The Chashma Jhelum Link Canal was an integral part of the Indus Basin Treaty wherein the Indus waters, especially in flood season, were to be used for irrigation of the South Punjab as per our share according to 1991 Water Accord. In the Accord, the timing was left to Punjab when to get its share, something on which Sindh should ordinarily have no objection. It is unthinkable to leave four million farmers of South Punjab high and dry in crop time by not providing them water. In fact, the IRSA composition was unfairly tilted in favour of Sindh by nominating two members from Sindh including a federal member while Punjab was always pushed to the wall being in minority especially during the crisis. What is required is to appoint a member from Azad Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan as a federal representative to balance the membership of IRSA. The Punjab government woke up late. The Chashma Jhelum Link Canal had been closed since February 2010 with devastating consequences for agriculture of South Punjab. -DR. M. YAQOOB BHATTI, Lahore, July 9.