CM Murad reaffirms Sindh’s united opposition to canal projects

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his province’s united opposition to the proposed canal projects, declaring that the people of Sindh will not back down from their stance.

Speaking to the media in Sehwan and Bhan Saeedabad, CM Sindh said that the people of Sindh are “fully united and actively protesting” against the construction of new canals, a plan that has triggered growing political and public backlash in the province.

“This is not just the government’s stance — the people of Sindh have made it clear: we reject these canals,” CM Sindh stated. “We are not stepping back.”

CM Sindh added that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has consistently opposed the project, pointing to recent statements made in the National Assembly by party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

“Chairman Bilawal has already made it absolutely clear in parliament — these canals cannot be supported under any circumstance.”

He also referred to the recent by-election in Umerkot, saying the voters had given “a clear message” by rallying behind the PPP, despite attempts by what he called “conspiratorial elements” to divide the province.

“Social media has been saying only the PPP can stop these canals — and that is true,” CM Sindh added. “Because their approval was obtained by the caretaker government through IRSA, not by the elected representatives of the people.”

The Chief Minister welcomed those protesting the canal project, saying peaceful demonstrations were a democratic right. However, he warned that “certain elements are trying to twist this issue into a conspiracy against the PPP.”

Referring to recent political gatherings, CM Sindh highlighted the PPP’s strong public support. “Our recent rally in Hyderabad Division was massive. And this is just the beginning — we will soon hold major rallies in Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, and Karachi as well.”

He reiterated that the PPP stood with the people on the issue. “We are with the public on this matter,” he said, echoing the party’s growing campaign to mobilise opinion against the canal initiative.

The controversial canal proposal — reportedly approved by the caretaker government through the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) — has sparked significant resistance in Sindh, where concerns over water scarcity remain acute.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan (SCBAP) has strongly opposed the construction of six new canals from the Indus River, warning that the project could intensify inter-provincial tensions and worsen already dire water shortages in Sindh.

In its sixth meeting of the 27th Executive Committee, held at the SCBAP registry branch in Lahore, the committee passed a series of resolutions addressing key national concerns, including water distribution, regional security, and political unrest.