Lawyers in Sindh Conclude Protests Following Canal Project Withdrawal

A sense of relief spread across Sindh on Tuesday as lawyers formally concluded their ongoing demonstrations. This decision follows the Council of Common Interests (CCI)’s resolution to retract the contentious new canals project from the Indus River.

This development signifies a major triumph for the province, which had experienced widespread demonstrations due to apprehensions regarding the project’s possible ecological and socio-economic repercussions.

The demonstrations, spearheaded by the All Sindh Lawyers Action Committee, involved hundreds of lawyers and activists who organized sit-ins in various cities, demanding the proposed project be halted.

The project’s cancellation was celebrated as a significant accomplishment, especially by those at the Baberlo Bypass protest site in Khairpur, where the sit-in had reached its twelfth day. The demonstrators lauded the outcome, viewing it as a victory for Sindh’s solidarity and resilience.

The All Sindh Lawyers Action Committee announced the end of the protests, confirming that all sit-ins would be discontinued, with the exception of the one at Baberlo Bypass. The committee specified that while most demonstrations and court strikes would end by April 30, the Baberlo sit-in would persist until several other demands were met, including the revocation of corporate farming projects.

Amir Nawaz Warraich, Sarfraz Maitlo, Rehman Korai, and others stated that discussions with the Sindh government are scheduled to occur in Sukkur soon to advance the remaining demands.

These outstanding issues include the termination of corporate farming, the dismissal of legal cases against protesting lawyers, and the return of impounded vehicles. The committee emphasized that while the withdrawal of the canals project was a favorable action, the struggle would persist on other issues.

All Sindh Action Committee Lawyers leaders Aamir Nawaz Waraich, Sarfaraz Maitlo, Rehman Korai and others conducted a joint press briefing and declared the conclusion of the sit-in from Baberloi bypass Khairpur which lasted 12 days.

Aamir Nawaz Waraich stated that the federal government had satisfied the canal demand by terminating the project. However, the demand for the cessation of corporate farming remains unresolved. Core committee members recently met with Zia Lanjar to discuss corporate farming and the leasing of 14,000 acres of land. Lanjar indicated that the land had not been allocated, promising to provide relevant documents. The negotiating committee will review these documents to decide the next steps. The Sindh government committee’s response has been positive. He added that they are not afraid of India’s threats, and will strongly defend the country.

Sarfaraz Maitlo asserted at a press conference that they would not permit Sindh’s land to be given to anyone, and that Sindh’s land should be allocated to impoverished farmers, with preference given to those with less than 25 acres for leasing. He stated that they would prioritize Sindh above all else and urged Modi to reconsider his policies.