Sindh CM vows to block canal project, urges protesters to remain peaceful

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s opposition to the controversial canal project linked to the Green Pakistan Initiative and urged protesters to avoid blocking roads during their demonstrations.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday, Shah called on lawyers, nationalist groups, and other activists protesting against the construction of new canals to continue their resistance peacefully. “Lawyers and nationalists should continue their protest without troubling their own people,” he said.

The CM reiterated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) shares the protesters’ concerns and warned that the party could stage its own demonstrations if ongoing negotiations with the federal government fail.

Shah vowed, “The Sindh government and the PPP will not allow the canal project to be built with the power of the people.” He added that work on the project has been stalled since July 2024, and questioned why the project hadn’t been officially scrapped.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also aware of the serious consequences of the canal project,” he noted.

Federal officials including Rana Sanaullah have attempted to reassure Sindh that its water rights will not be compromised, urging dialogue and restraint.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon also echoed that sentiment, reaffirming the province’s readiness to engage in talks while calling on protesters to avoid road blockades that harm daily life.

Launched in February by Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Green Pakistan Initiative aims to expand agriculture through new canal infrastructure.

The project sparked widespread protests across Sindh, where many fear it would divert vital Indus River water. In March, the Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the construction of six new canals, and nationalist parties have staged large rallies in cities including Karachi.