Murad slams canals project as ‘conspiracy to rob Sindh of its water’

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday launched a province-wide development campaign and strongly criticised the proposed canal projects of the federal government, labelling them a conspiracy to deprive the province of its water rights.

He made these comments while addressing Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers of Thatta and Sujawal districts at the Mohsin House in Thatta.

Provincial ministers, Nasir Shah, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Riaz Shah Shirazi, MNA Sadiq Memon, MPAs, and other representatives and party workers were also present on the occasion. Following directives from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, CM Shah began the initiative in Thatta and Sujawal, pledging to visit every district in Sindh throughout April.

He announced a minimum allocation of Rs5 billion for development schemes in each district, with Rs1 billion specifically set aside for small-scale, community-driven projects proposed by party workers.

He also announced constitution of committees at the union council, taluka, and district levels to compile project proposals and streamline the process.

The chief minister said that the deputy commissioners will then prepare cost estimates for these proposals. All approved schemes, both large and small, will be incorporated into the upcoming provincial budget. “This is your government,” said CM Shah. “The PPP belongs to the people; we are here to serve you.” He set a 15-day deadline for Thatta and Sujawal to submit their project proposals, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and community-led planning.

Highlighting the government’s achievements in provincial infrastructure, Shah addressed the long-neglected Karachi-Thatta Highway, which has now been constructed by his government on a public-private partnership mode. He also provided updates on key road projects in the region, including the 84km Sindh Coastal Highway, the 65km Thatta-Garo Road, and the 40km Thatta-Jhimpir Road.

He announced the operational Liaquat Medical University College in Thatta, an initiative he recently inaugurated where classes have begun. He informed the audience that 2.1 million homes have been built across Sindh for flood victims, with residents receiving full ownership. Hundreds of kilometers of water channels have also been completed in Thatta and Sujawal to enhance irrigation.

Regarding the contentious water issue, CM Shah condemned the Cholistan and Chubara canal projects, alleging they are politically motivated schemes intended to siphon off Sindh’s water. “You are the true custodians of the River Indus, which sustains your life,” he asserted, promising to resist any attempts to divert Sindh’s water.

“The people of Sindh are alive and aware. We will not allow the construction of these canals under any circumstances,” he emphasised. Shah stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party is the primary barrier to such projects, as they are against the interests of Sindh. He asserted that the PPP stands as a strong guardian of Sindh’s rights. “There is a deliberate conspiracy to detach the PPP from the people. Our opponents aim to sideline us to promote their own agendas,” he added.

The CM recalled the clear message from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to the prime minister on April 4, saying, “If this project is not cancelled, I will stand with my people and withdraw support for your government.”

He dismissed claims that the PPP had endorsed these canal projects.

He clarified that even though feasibility studies were prepared in 2018, no progress occurred until 2023 because the PPP actively obstructed them.

Shah revealed that the controversial proposal gained momentum during an Indus River System Authority (Irsa) meeting on January 17, 2024, under the caretaker government. Representatives from Punjab proposed the construction of canals to divert a portion of what they alleged to be 27 million acre feet of water flowing unutilized to the sea. “Irsa approved this proposal without verifying the data,” Shah explained. “However, the representative from Sindh, appointed by the PPP, submitted a detailed dissenting note, echoing the same objections we are reiterating today.”

He emphasised that international water law prioritises 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 pointed out.

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

Shah reaffirmed the PPP’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding 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.”

Shah emphasised the legacy of the PPP, saying, “The PPP has made numerous sacrifices for the nation, including the martyrdom of our leaders. However, we have never abandoned our people.”

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

In conclusion, he announced that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will 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 Pakistan Peoples Party,” he said.