The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has strongly opposed the federal government’s proposed six canals project, terming it “illegal.” In a bold move, the PPP announced a series of protest rallies across all district headquarters on March 25, demonstrating their firm resistance against the controversial initiative.
Strong Opposition from PPP Sindh Leadership
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro condemned the federal government’s plan to construct six canals on the Indus River to irrigate the Cholistan desert. He warned that the project posed a severe threat to Sindh’s water rights.
“The project is illegal and should not be built. We will hold rallies and protest in every street against it,” Khuhro declared.
Concerns Over Sindh’s Water Rights
The proposed Cholistan canal and system, with an estimated cost of Rs211.4 billion, aims to irrigate thousands of acres of barren land and bring 400,000 acres under cultivation. However, the PPP, along with Sindh nationalist parties and civil society organizations, argue that the initiative disregards the rights of lower riparian regions like Sindh.
Khuhro further criticized the Punjab government for its unconstitutional allocation of funds for the controversial canals in the provincial budget. He likened the situation to the contentious Greater Thal Canal project initiated under former President Pervez Musharraf’s regime.
President Zardari’s Warning to the Federal Government
President Asif Ali Zardari has consistently voiced his reservations over the project. Expressing discontent with the government’s unilateral actions, he cautioned that such decisions are causing “grave strain” on the federation.
“A proposal that I, as your President, cannot support,” Zardari stated, urging the federal government to abandon the current plan and seek a sustainable solution through unanimous consensus among all federating units.
Historical Parallels and Widespread Dissent
Khuhro highlighted that the Cholistan canal project is potentially more damaging for Sindh than the proposed Kalabagh Dam, which was vehemently opposed in the past. He reiterated that the PML-N government would ultimately be forced to withdraw the project, just as it had to step back from the Kalabagh Dam.
The PPP leader also announced that a resolution rejecting the canals project has been passed in the Sindh Assembly. Furthermore, the party plans to engage with political entities, nationalist groups, legal bodies, and civil society to form a united resistance front against the project.
Call for Unity and Resistance
Emphasizing the significance of the Indus River for Sindh, Khuhro urged the people of the province to stand together in defense of their water rights. He called on all segments of society to join the PPP in its constitutional and democratic struggle against the controversial project.
“The people of Sindh will not allow this injustice. We are committed to ensuring the protection of our water resources,” he concluded.
The upcoming protests on March 25 are expected to draw significant participation as public opposition mounts against the federal government’s controversial canals project. The PPP remains steadfast in its resolve to protect Sindh’s rights through democratic means.
