Lawyers’ Protest Against Canal Construction Paralyzes Sindh-Punjab Highway

A protest involving lawyers and members of civil society against the proposed construction of six canals originating from the Indus River has entered its tenth day. This demonstration has effectively halted all traffic between Sindh and Punjab via the National Highway.

The continuous demonstration has garnered substantial participation, with lawyers and civil society activists collectively voicing their disapproval of the debated canal projects.

The obstruction of the National Highway has led to a complete standstill in vehicular transit between the two provinces for the last ten days.

The sustained blockade has significantly disrupted the movement of vital supplies, such as fuel and food, as numerous trucks and trailers are now stranded. This disruption has intensified challenges for both commuters and transportation companies.

Heavy container drivers, immobilized by the ongoing protest, have indicated that the prolonged inactivity is causing deterioration of their vehicle tires.

Protesters have affirmed their dedication to maintaining the demonstration until official confirmation of the project’s termination is issued, despite assurances from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that construction would only proceed with broad consensus.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari convened for a crucial meeting in Islamabad on Thursday, prompted by escalating unrest throughout Sindh over recent weeks.

During a joint press briefing, the Prime Minister stated that no canals would be built without the consensus of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

He verified that the upcoming CCI meeting, scheduled for May 2, would formally ratify the agreement achieved with the PPP.

Demonstrations are taking place at various locations along the National Highway.

The protest opposing the Indus River canals project has reached its eighth day near Mangrio Pump on the National Highway in Daharki, Ghotki.

Activists from nationalist groups, along with members from diverse political and social organizations, are actively participating in the ongoing demonstration.

Concurrently, a separate demonstration organized by lawyers at the Sindh-Punjab border, near Kamoon Shaheed, has extended into its fifth day, further complicating the regional traffic situation. Demonstrators are resolute in their stance against the canal project, advocating for a thorough reassessment of its potential consequences.

Currently, there is no clear indication of when the traffic disruption might end. Authorities have yet to announce any advancements in negotiations aimed at resolving the impasse and reopening this crucial transportation route.