Sindh CM Launches Development Drive, Opposes Federal Canal Project

  • Chief Minister requests project proposals within two weeks.
  • Specific allocation of Rs1 billion for small projects.
  • The next budget will encompass all approved initiatives.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah initiated a province-wide development campaign while criticizing the federal government’s proposed canal project, denouncing it as a “conspiracy” intended to deprive the province of its rightful water share.

During an address to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) representatives from Thatta and Sujawal districts at Mohsin House in Thatta on Saturday, the Chief Minister shared these remarks.

Several lawmakers and party officials were present at the event, including MPAs Nasir Hussain Shah, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Riaz Shah Shirazi, and MNA Sadiq Memon, among others. CM Murad, acting on the instructions of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, launched the program in Thatta and Sujawal, with plans to visit every district in Sindh throughout April.

He stated that a minimum of Rs5 billion would be earmarked for development projects in each district, with Rs1 billion set aside specifically for initiatives suggested by party workers for small-scale, community-oriented projects.

To efficiently gather project proposals, committees will be formed at the union council, taluka, and district levels, he announced.

The deputy commissioners will then develop cost estimates for these proposals, the CM added. All approved programs, regardless of size, will be included in the upcoming provincial budget, he affirmed, stating, “This is your government. The PPP belongs to the people; we are here to serve you.”

He urged workers in Thatta and Sujawal to submit their project proposals within the next 15 days, highlighting the significance of community-driven and inclusive planning.

Highlighting the government’s accomplishments in provincial infrastructure, Murad mentioned the Karachi-Thatta Highway, previously neglected but now constructed by his administration through a public-private partnership. He also provided updates on vital road projects in the area, such as the 84km Sindh Coastal Highway, the 65km Thatta-Gharo Road, and the 40km Thatta-Jhimpir Road.

He announced that the Liaquat Medical University College in Thatta, which he recently inaugurated, is now operational and holding classes. He informed attendees that 2.1 million homes have been constructed across Sindh for flood victims, who have been granted full ownership. Additionally, hundreds of kilometers of water channels have been completed in Thatta and Sujawal to improve irrigation.

Addressing the sensitive water issue, CM Murad criticized the Cholistan and Chubara canal projects, claiming they are politically driven attempts to divert Sindh’s water. “You are the true custodians of the River Indus, which sustains your life,” he stated, promising to oppose any efforts to divert Sindh’s water.

“The people of Sindh are awake and aware. We will not allow the construction of these canals under any circumstances,” he asserted. Murad emphasized that the PPP is the main obstacle to such projects, as they are detrimental to Sindh’s interests.

He affirmed that the PPP remains a robust defender of Sindh’s rights. “There is a deliberate attempt to disconnect the PPP from the people. Our opponents aim to sideline us to further their own agendas,” he added.

The CM recalled the PPP chairman’s clear message to the prime minister on April 4: “If this project is not cancelled, I will stand with my people and withdraw support for your government.”

He refuted claims that the PPP had supported these canal projects, clarifying that while feasibility studies were prepared in 2018, no progress was made until 2023 because the PPP actively hindered them.

Murad revealed that the contentious proposal gained traction during an Indus River System Authority (Irsa) meeting on January 17, 2024, under the caretaker government. Representatives from Punjab suggested building canals to divert a portion of what they claimed to be 27 million acre feet of water flowing unused into the sea.

“Irsa approved this proposal without verifying the data,” Murad explained. “However, the representative from Sindh, appointed by the PPP, submitted a detailed dissenting note, echoing the same objections we are reiterating today.”

He stressed that international water law prioritizes the rights of lower riparian regions, such as Sindh. “Thatta and Sujawal will be most affected, which is why we are launching this campaign here,” he noted.

Amid chants of “Canal Na Manzoor” and “Sindhu Par Canal Na Manzoor”, the CM accused his opponents of conducting a smear campaign. “They [the opponents] spend a minute discussing canals and 25 minutes attacking the PPP,” he remarked. “We harbour no animosity toward anyone, even those protesting, but the truth must be known.”

Murad reaffirmed the PPP’s steadfast commitment to protecting Sindh’s resources. “This land, these waters, and this party belong to the people of Sindh, and we will not allow anyone to take them away from you.”

He clarified that the president of Pakistan does not have the authority to approve the proposed canal projects.

During a discussion about the Council of Common Interests (CCI), he stated: “They claim to hold a majority in the CCI, but I can counter their arguments alone. I present evidence, while they have no response. If they were serious, they would have gotten this project approved between 2018 and 2023. Why did they wait until the caretaker government was in place?”

The CM further remarked that even at this stage, they cannot secure the CCI’s approval. “This reflects their intentions and lack of credibility.”

He also issued a warning, stating anyone involved in the drug trade will face severe consequences and strict measures will be implemented against them.

Concluding his speech, he announced that Bilawal would address a large public gathering in Hyderabad on April 18. “I invite everyone to attend and show their support for the cause of Sindh and for the PPP,” he said.