The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has demanded Rs 64.62 billion from Punjab over the long-running Murree Water Supply issue. Officials say water has been taken from Galiyat without a formal agreement for decades.
According to KP authorities, the Murree Water Board has been extracting around 500,000 gallons of water daily. This supply is reportedly taken from Galiyat to support Murree’s needs. However, KP claims this extraction has continued since 1947 without proper legal approval.
Officials believe this ongoing Murree Water Supply arrangement has caused serious water shortages in Galiyat. Local residents have raised concerns about reduced water availability. Authorities say the situation has worsened over time due to increasing demand.
The KP government has termed the water use as unauthorized. It says the province has faced long-term financial and environmental losses. Based on these claims, KP has calculated dues amounting to Rs 64.62 billion.
In response to the issue, KP has approached the federal government for intervention. Officials have requested immediate action to address the dispute. They also urged authorities to stop an unapproved water tank project in Dunga Gali.
KP has proposed a temporary solution until a final agreement is reached. The province suggests equal sharing of water resources between KP and Punjab. It also demands compensation at current market rates for past usage.
The Murree Water Supply dispute highlights growing concerns over interprovincial resource management. Experts say such issues require clear agreements and transparency. Without proper coordination, conflicts over water resources may increase.
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So far, there has been no official response from Punjab authorities on the demand. The matter is expected to be taken up at the federal level soon. Further discussions may help both provinces reach a mutually acceptable solution.
