Pakistan, April 16 -- The ongoing row between Sindh and Punjab governments over new canals on the Indus River is both unfortunate and unnecessary. Every press conference by media tsars of both sides is dominated by the canal issue as the issue has turned into a political shouting match.

Every day both sides accuse each other instead of sitting down to find a fair solution. At a time when Pakistan is facing a serious economic crisis, political instability and rising law and order challenges, such distractions can only damage national unity.

The issue has united government, opposition and civil society for all right reasons. Sindh has raised genuine concerns as the province already suffers from a shortage of water. Sindh Chief Minister Mu...