Protests Against Canal Construction Disrupt Traffic Between Sindh and Punjab

KHAIRPUR: A continuous sit-in by legal professionals and concerned citizens opposing the proposed construction of six canals from the Indus River has entered its tenth day, completely halting traffic on the National Highway, which serves as a crucial link between Sindh and Punjab.

The ongoing demonstration has seen considerable participation, as lawyers and civil society representatives stand united against the debated canal ventures.

For the last ten days, the blockade of the National Highway has brought all vehicular traffic between the two provinces to a standstill.

The sustained blockade is significantly affecting the transport of vital supplies, such as fuel and food, as numerous trucks and trailers are stranded. This situation has escalated challenges for both commuters and transport companies.

Drivers of large containers caught in the gridlock report that their vehicle tires are deteriorating because of the extended standstill.

Despite Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assurances that no canal construction will proceed without consensus, demonstrators have pledged to continue their action until formal confirmation of the project’s cancellation is issued.

PM Shehbaz and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari convened a critical meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, following weeks of rising unrest across Sindh.

During a shared press briefing, the Prime Minister stated that canal projects would only proceed with the approval of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

He affirmed that the upcoming CCI meeting scheduled for May 2 would formally ratify the agreement reached with the PPP.

Demonstrations are occurring at multiple points along the National Highway.

Near Mangrio Pump on the National Highway in Daharki, Ghotki, the sit-in protesting the Indus River canals plan has entered its eighth day.

Activists representing nationalist parties and diverse political and social organizations persist in participating in the demonstration.

Concurrently, a separate demonstration by lawyers at the Sindh-Punjab border near Kamoon Shaheed has reached its fifth day, further complicating the regional traffic situation. Protesters remain steadfast in their opposition to the canal project, urging a reassessment of its potential consequences.

With no immediate resolution in sight, the traffic disruption continues. Authorities have yet to announce any significant progress in negotiations aimed at resolving the impasse and reopening this critical transportation route.

Separately, a large assembly of lawyers protested on the Gulshan-e-Hadeed Link Road concerning canal construction, which resulted in substantial traffic congestion in the vicinity.

According to police sources, law enforcement deployed baton charges to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in injuries to one lawyer.

Following this event, a considerable number of lawyers congregated outside the Steel Town Police Station, heightening tensions in the area.