Islamabad: Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA), has accused India of deliberately releasing floodwaters, causing widespread devastation in Punjab and other provinces. He alleges this is a calculated move to cripple Pakistan’s agriculture and economy.

Rehan labeled India’s actions “an open conspiracy against Pakistan,” resulting in the destruction of thousands of acres of crops and substantial financial setbacks for farmers.

He highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing water wastage, with massive volumes flowing into the sea unchecked. Constructing dams, he argued, would mitigate flood damage, revitalize the agricultural sector, and generate vital hydroelectric power.

Rehan urged the government to prioritize dam construction and water storage projects, emphasizing that inaction exposes Pakistan to both environmental calamities and cross-border hostilities.

The recent floods, he noted, underscore how inadequate preventative measures cause farmers to face recurring losses. The government, he added, should compensate farmers and provide resources for their recovery.

Calling agriculture the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, the PVMA chairman emphasized that improved water management would bolster food security and boost agricultural exports.

Rehan warned that countering India’s alleged “malicious designs” requires a comprehensive national water policy, developed collaboratively and implemented promptly.