PPP warns of dismantling federal govt over canals issue

The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) warned the federal government that it has the power to dismantle the administration, but is refraining from taking such extreme measures, stating that the canal project is the 'red line' for Sindh. 

Speaking at a talk show, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated that the federal government has escalated tensions over the matter and that the only way to gain the support of the Sindhi people is to cancel the canal project.

“Please don’t take us to a point where we must make a decision that would harm everyone,” CM Shah stated while outlining the consequences if the project proceeds.

The party has evidence that this project is not beneficial for the country, so the federal government should announce the termination of the project to end this nationwide unrest, he maintained. 

Read: Rana Sanaullah contacts Sindh’s political parties for talks on canals issue 

Murad Ali Shah argued that the Sindh government has managed to halt the construction of canals, warning, “We are not willing to dissolve the government, but we can do this, only one thing that can gain the trust of the Sindhi people is to scrap this project.”

Earlier, in a press conference, the Chief Minister declared that the provincial government would not allow the construction of canals on the Indus River. 

He voiced his strong support for the protests, urging demonstrators to ensure their actions did not disrupt the lives of the community by blocking roads.

He emphasised the importance of allowing others to express their patriotism freely while maintaining the integrity of their cause.

Prime Minister's Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, contacted Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon on the phone for the third consecutive day on the issue of canals.

Read: Bilawal warns of quitting coalition over canals project

Sharjeel Memon said that Rana Sanaullah displayed seriousness on this issue and said that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif wants to resolve this issue through talks. 

“Even we also want the Prime Minister to address the concerns of the people of Sindh,” he said.

Six Canals Project

Pakistan's government has launched the $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative to boost food security by building six canals across the country to irrigate millions of acres of barren land. 

However, critics argue that the project could cause water shortages in southern regions, particularly in Sindh, which fears losing water to upstream developments. 

Despite concerns, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the project in July 2024, deeming the canals "vital for agricultural development." 

The largest canal, Cholistan, is expected to be completed by 2030 at a cost of $783 million.