Sindh -chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed his government’s opposition to the controversial channel project linked to the initiative of Green Pakistan and urged the demonstrators to avoid blocking the roads during their demonstrations.
Speaking on Tuesday at a press conference in Karachi, Shah called lawyers, nationalist groups and other activists protesting against the construction of new channels to continue their resistance peacefully. “Lawyers and nationalists should continue their protest without disturbing their own people,” he said.
The CM has reiterated that the Pakistani peoples’ party (PPP) shares the concerns of the demonstrators and warned that the party could stage its own demonstrations if negotiations in progress with the federal government fail.
Shah swore: “The Sindh government and the PPP will not allow the canal project to be built with the power of the people.” He added that work on the project has been blocked since July 2024 and wondered why the project had not been officially rebuilt.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also aware of the serious consequences of the canal project,” he noted.
Federal officials, including Rana Sanaullah, have tried to reassure the Sindh that his water rights will not be compromised, urging dialogue and restraint.
The Minister of Sindh of Information, Sharjeel Memon, also echoes this feeling, reaffirming the preparation of the province to engage in talks while calling demonstrators to avoid road blockages that harm daily life daily.
Launched in February by the chief of staff of the army Asim Munnir and the chief minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, the initiative of Green Pakistan aims to extend agriculture through new channel infrastructure.
The project sparked generalized demonstrations across the Sindh, where many fear that it would divert vital water from the Indus. In March, the Sindh Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the construction of six new channels, and the nationalist parties organized large rallies in cities such as Karachi.
