PPP took to the streets against canals due to false inauguration by upper riparian, creating confusion in Sindh: Murad Shah

PPP took to the streets against canals due to false inauguration by upper riparian, creating confusion in Sindh: Murad Shah

PPP took to the streets against canals due to false inauguration by upper riparian, creating confusion in Sindh: Murad Shah

• Protestors shouldn’t block roads to create inconveniences for the people
• Fed govt asks Sindh to nominate its members for NFC
• CM calls Pope Francis a `global spiritual leader, ambassador of humanity

KARACHI (April 22): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that PPP took to the streets against the controversial canal project because the upper riparian had created confusion among the people by falsely inaugurating the canal; therefore, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto decided to engage with the public to clarify the truth.

This he said while talking to the media at Cardinal House, which he visited to offer condolences on the passing of Pope Francis on Tuesday.

Mr Shah stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has positioned itself as the leader of the opposition against the new canals proposed on the River Indus. He noted that the protests initiated by opposition parties and self-proclaimed nationalists occurred much later than those led by the PPP. “They began opposing the canals in September, October, and November 20204, while the PPP’s Sindh government presented its case in the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in June 2024 and began discussions with the federal government to halt the project in the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), effectively stopping it at that point.

“Even so, we welcome all parties opposing the project, as it aligns with our shared cause. This is a controversial project that does not serve the province's interests and is also against the country’s national interests,” he said. 

“I respect the legal community for their role in restoring the judiciary and democracy, but it is incorrect to say that the PPP has not raised its voice,” he added. He urged all parties to protest but emphasised that they should not block roads or create inconveniences for the people of Sindh.

Mr. Shah expressed concern after watching videos showing protestors blocking roads, which resulted in ambulances being stuck and cattle being transported between cities experiencing distress. “This is unreasonable,” he said. “We have no objection to your protests, but we want to support you and unite on this cause without causing public issues.” He suggested staging protests in alternative locations instead of on the roads.

Mr. Shah assured that the Pakistan Peoples Party, with support from the people of the province, would prevent the construction of the canal projects. He mentioned that no work on the canal has taken place since July 2024.

In response to a question, he stated that the PPP took to the streets against the controversial canal project because the upper riparian had created confusion among the people by falsely inaugurating the canal. “Therefore, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto decided to engage with the public to clarify the truth,” he explained.

Mr. Shah urged the media to avoid spreading misinformation that could further incite resentment among the people of the province. He reiterated that the project has been paused since July 2024, and its approval in ECNEC has been stalled since November 2024. “I thank the federal government for not progressing with the canal project in terms of its approval in the ECNEC, but I am disheartened that it has not yet been completely scrapped. We expect the federal government to announce the project’s shelving.

“Yes, we are ready to discuss water issues and food security with the federal government, but these concerns cannot be addressed through the construction of new canals; they can be resolved through enhancing water efficiency and agricultural yield,” Murad Shah said.

Recently, Rana Sanullah informed the media that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and PML-N Chief Nawaz Sharif have instructed him to engage with the PPP, and we welcomed that initiative. “Provincial Information Minister Sharjeel Memon welcomed this statement on behalf of the party leadership, and subsequent conversations took place over the phone.

“We halted work on the canals in July 2024, while one of the so-called champions of the cause first spoke out in November 2024, 10 months after the project was stopped by the Sindh government,” the CM said. He added that there were statements in December and January, followed by protests from lawyers, which we welcomed because they concerned a common cause. However, despite my personal restraint, it saddens me to say if they are playing into someone else’s hands,” he remarked.

“We would have called for strikes if we failed to stop the project because we know how to protest,” he said. He added that the PPP has fought against dictators before and can do so again, but only if necessary. “As work on the canal has been halted and we haven’t let the project be approved at the required forum, why are the roads being blocked and causing trouble for the public?” he questioned.

The Chief Minister noted that the Prime Minister is flying to Turkey today, and upon his return, he expects an announcement to stop the project. “The British government rejected the upper riparian projects when the lower riparian raised objections; why is this principle not being followed now?” he inquired.

Mr. Shah expressed hope that the Prime Minister would consider the legitimate concerns of the people from the lower riparian areas, as the issue has well-known consequences.

He concluded his address by urging the Prime Minister to pay attention to Sindh’s rightful concerns. “I trust that the Prime Minister of Pakistan will act fairly and uphold justice,” he said, referencing historical precedents where upper riparian canal schemes were rejected during the British era due to their potential danger to lower riparian regions.

He also pointed to international best practices, citing India’s Indira Canal as an example, and encouraged the media and public to support the cause.

NFC: CM Murad Ali Shah expressed concern over recent political developments and the delay in federal-level decisions impacting Sindh. He revealed that on April 19, the federal finance minister sent a letter to suggest Sindh’s representative for the National Finance Commission (NFC), 14 months after the process was due.

“We have been asked to nominate a representative for the NFC, and I hope our concerns will be respected,” he said. Shah emphasised that Punjab farmers themselves had expressed fears about wheat production next year, underscoring the urgent need for modern agricultural solutions, not misguided water projects.

Educational Boards: Mr Shah also discussed educational reforms, saying that chairpersons for Sindh’s educational boards were appointed on merit through a transparent search committee process. However, some candidates refused to take charge after their appointment, which he called unfortunate.

Pope Francis’ condolence: Earlier, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited Cardinal House to offer heartfelt condolences on the passing of Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio). Calling him a “global spiritual leader and an ambassador of humanity,” the CM prayed for the late Pope and recorded his sentiments in the condolence book at the venue.

The Chief Minister expressed his deepest sympathies to the Vatican and the global Catholic community, noting that Pope Francis’ message of interfaith harmony, peace, and service would remain a guiding light for humanity. He emphasised that the late pontiff’s death was an irreparable loss for the world.

“Pope Francis stood for unity, compassion, and peace,” Murad Ali Shah said, adding, “Sindh has always been a province that embraces every religion, caste, and community. We stand in solidarity with our Christian brothers and sisters in this time of sorrow.”

In his media talk, the Chief Minister referenced the Pope’s recent call to end war in Gaza, describing it as a bold voice for justice and peace. “The world has lost a great human being,” he remarked.