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

Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, on Tuesday initiated political outreach to Sindh-based parties in a bid to defuse tensions and address mounting opposition over the federal government’s controversial canal project, which has triggered province-wide protests.

According to reliable sources, Rana Sanaullah contacted several key political figures from Sindh, assuring them that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is committed to resolving the matter through dialogue and consensus

The PM’s adviser held a telephonic conversation with Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) chief Ayaz Latif Palijo, conveying the federal government's willingness to form a multi-party delegation to address concerns regarding the canal initiative.

“We will form a delegation of different parties over the canal issue,” said Rana Sanaullah.

In response, Palijo strongly opposed the canal project, stating: “Injustice is being done to Sindh. This project has triggered widespread anger and desperation.”

He emphasized that Sindh’s political forces are united in demanding the federal government withdraw the decision.

Rana Sanaullah also reached out to Sindh United Party President Syed Zain Shah, proposing negotiations on both the canal and corporate farming projects. He conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s interest in meeting Shah directly to address the situation.

However, Zain Shah reiterated his party’s firm stance: “Sindh will continue its struggle until the federal government fully withdraws the canals and corporate farming projects.”

Read more: Fuel supply disruptions feared in Sindh, Punjab amid ongoing protests

In a similar effort, the PM’s adviser contacted Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) Sindh leader Rashid Mehmood Soomro, assuring that JUI-F’s concerns would be addressed through negotiation. Soomro urged the federal government to officially announce the withdrawal of the canal project before initiating talks, emphasizing:

“JUI-F has a principled position and will not compromise on Sindh’s water rights.” The federal government’s outreach comes amid growing resistance across Sindh, where political parties, civil society groups, and legal fraternities are demanding transparency and provincial consent in decisions impacting Sindh’s natural resources and agricultural autonomy.

While Rana Sanaullah’s engagements mark a diplomatic shift, the opposition remains firm in its call for complete revocation of the proposed developments.