National Highway remains blocked as canal project protests enter 10th day

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Protests by lawyers and civil society activists against the proposed construction of six canals from the Indus River have entered their 10th consecutive day, causing a complete halt to traffic between Sindh and Punjab along the National Highway.

The sit-in demonstrations, which have grown in size and momentum, have severely disrupted the transport of essential goods such as petrol and food supplies, with trucks and trailers stranded for days. Heavy container drivers reported that their vehicles are deteriorating due to the prolonged standstill.

Protesters insist they will continue their blockade until an official notification confirming the project's cancellation is issued, despite assurances from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that no canal will be built without consensus through the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

Following high-level talks between PM Shehbaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the premier announced that the CCI meeting scheduled for 2 May would formally endorse the agreement to suspend the canal projects unless consensus is achieved.

Demonstrations have been staged at multiple locations along the National Highway, including near Mangrio Pump in Daharki, Ghotki, now entering their eighth day.

Separate protests, such as the lawyers' sit-in at Kamoon Shaheed, have also added to the mounting transport disruption.

Earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called for the anti-canals protesters to unblock the roads they have obstructed, as the cancellation of the canal project was announced.

Shah also alleged that "those pushing the canal project want the PPP out of power to move it forward" and noted that there are two groups of anti-canal protesters; those genuinely opposed to the project as it goes against provincial interests, and those attempting to use the situation for political gain by infringing on the PPP's public mandate, thereby blocking roads and impeding daily activities.