Breakthrough in Federal-Provincial Talks as Canal Project Stalls Amid Widespread Protests in Sindh
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday confirmed that no new canal project will move forward without consensus among all provinces through the Council of Common Interests (CCI), marking a significant de-escalation in the standoff between the federal government and Sindh.
Addressing a joint press conference alongside PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari in Islamabad, the premier announced that the agreement would be formally ratified at the upcoming CCI meeting scheduled for Friday, May 2.
The announcement followed high-stakes negotiations between the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), amid rising political tensions and widespread protests in Sindh over the proposed diversion of six new canals from the Indus River.
Shehbaz: “National Unity Must Guide Water Policy”
“The issue of new canals was taken up seriously and constructively. We agreed that such sensitive matters must be resolved through dialogue and mutual respect,” the prime minister said, adding that any development project that undermines federal harmony—like the Kalabagh Dam—must be reconsidered.
“If a project goes against the spirit of unity among provinces, we must let it go,” he stated.
Bilawal: “Sindh’s Concerns Finally Heard”
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari welcomed the federal government’s commitment to inter-provincial consensus, stating, “This is not just about water; it’s about democracy, respect, and inclusion.”
He reiterated that no canal will be built without unanimous provincial agreement, and condemned recent statements from India that threaten Pakistan’s water security.
“We strongly reject Indian attempts to violate the Indus Waters Treaty, and Pakistan will issue a firm response,” he added.
CM Murad Ali Shah: A Victory for Sindh and the Federation
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah praised Bilawal’s efforts, calling the halt to the controversial project a “major victory” for Sindh and the federation.
“This isn’t just a win for one province—it’s a win for federalism, for the constitution, and for democratic norms,” he said. Shah vowed to continue defending Sindh’s water rights at the CCI.
He also confirmed that the Rs250 billion canal project remains on hold, as it has not yet been cleared by Ecnec (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council).
Public Celebrations Across Sindh
The PPP Sindh chapter announced a three-day series of thanksgiving rallies across the province, celebrating what it called a “people-powered success.”
Senior PPP leader Nisar Khuhro declared the decision a clear validation of Sindh’s longstanding opposition to the project, and a result of intense grassroots mobilisation.
Senate Uproar and Political Fallout
The Senate session earlier this week descended into chaos as PPP senators staged a walkout over conflicting resolutions on the canal issue. Tensions flared between PTI lawmakers and members of the ruling coalition.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar urged calm, assuring the house that no decisions would be made unilaterally, and that Sindh’s voice would be respected in constitutional forums.
Rana Sanaullah, Special Assistant to the PM, has been tasked with liaising directly with Sindh’s leadership to ensure continued dialogue.
Protests Disrupt Trade, Trigger Political Warnings
The controversy has sparked massive protests across Sindh, affecting cities like Sukkur, Nawabshah, and Daharki, with highways blocked and goods transport—especially perishable exports—disrupted.
CM Murad warned that while the PPP is committed to democratic norms, it retains the political leverage to withdraw from the ruling coalition if its concerns are ignored.
The conflict was initially triggered in February, when Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz launched the Green Pakistan Initiative in Cholistan, aiming to boost agriculture through new canals—an announcement that ignited fears in Sindh of water diversion.
The Sindh Assembly responded in March with a unanimous resolution opposing the construction of the canals. Support soon poured in from the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other nationalist groups, who took to the streets in mass demonstrations, including in Karachi.
