Sindh CM Issues Warning to Federal Government

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, a prominent leader within the PPP, has cautioned their coalition partners in the federal government, stating that while the PPP is not seeking to dismantle the PML-N-led administration, they possess the capability to do so.

The Sindh CM remarked, “We possess considerable strength. We are capable of destabilizing the current government led by Shehbaz, but we refrain from doing so to avert a crisis. Do not push us towards a point where any decision causes widespread repercussions.”

This warning comes in the wake of disagreements over the Green Pakistan Initiative.

Disagreement Over Canal Project

Earlier this year, the Green Pakistan Initiative in Cholistan, spearheaded by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, was launched with the aim of modernizing agriculture. This initiative sparked significant opposition in Sindh, with the provincial assembly passing a unanimous resolution in March against the construction of six new canals on the Indus River. The Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other nationalist groups organized large demonstrations across Sindh, including Karachi.

The chief minister has asserted that abandoning the project is the only acceptable resolution. He also criticized the federal government’s handling of the canal issue.

In response to a query regarding the 72-hour ultimatum issued by protestors, who are against the construction of the six canals, the chief minister mentioned that the federal government had engaged them in discussions and that progress was being made.

He added that the Sindh government’s efforts have currently halted the over Rs250bn project, and that the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) has not yet given its approval.

He questioned the source of water for the proposed canals, emphasizing that the consent of lower riparian regions is crucial for water projects in upper regions.

The federal government has requested permission from the Indus River System Authority (Irsa) for the canal construction, citing that 27% of the water is flowing into the sea.

The Sindh CM stated, “The plea did not include measures for water conservation. We have contested Irsa’s certification.”

He also noted that the matter has been with the Council of Common Interests (CCI) since June of the previous year.

Call for Peaceful Protest

Earlier, CM Shah urged demonstrators to conduct their protests peacefully, avoiding any disruption to traffic on highways and main roads.

During a press conference in Karachi, the CM stated, “Lawyers and nationalists should continue protesting without inconveniencing the public.”

He affirmed that the PPP shares the same objectives as the protestors and would also stage demonstrations if negotiations with the federal government prove unsuccessful.

The Sindh CM declared that the canal project will be blocked at all costs, emphasizing that it has been stalled since July 2024, with approval pending since November of the previous year.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is aware of the serious consequences of the canal project,” he said and hoped for a fair resolution.

A protest march organized by the Save Indus Students Alliance, supported by the Karachi Bachao Tehreek, took place from Teen Talwar to Fowara Chowk, with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr. also participating.

The protest, like others across the province, voiced opposition to the canal project.

Prior to this, Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the PM on political affairs, contacted Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon to discuss the issue.

Sanaullah assured that Sindh’s interests would be protected and that the Prime Minister would make an appropriate decision.

On Tuesday, Sanaullah affirmed that there was no intention to deprive Sindh of its water and that the PPP was open to dialogue, with the federal government taking the matter seriously.

He also downplayed the statements made by PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who had cautioned that his party might withdraw from the ruling coalition if the canal project concerns were not addressed.

“What Bilawal said at the public gathering was said in the heat of delivering a speech,” said Sanaullah.

He appealed for political restraint and mutual respect among all parties.

Memon echoed the government’s stance on dialogue and reiterated the province’s concerns, emphasizing that the canal issue is a matter of public concern and that the Sindh government is representing the people of Sindh.

He added that objections to the project have been raised on multiple occasions and forums, and welcomed discussions with the federal government.

Memon also appealed to protestors to demonstrate responsibly and avoid disrupting the public.