- CM calls for submission of project proposals within 15 days.
- Rs1 billion reserved especially for small-scale projects.
- Next provincial budget to “include” all approved programmes.
KARACHI: Launching a province-wide development drive, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah slammed the federal government’s proposed canal project, calling it a “conspiracy” to deny the province its water rights.
The chief minister stated this while speaking to the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) workers of Thatta and Sujawal districts at the Mohsin House in Thatta on Saturday, The News reported.
A number of lawmakers and party members attended the event, including MPAs, Nasir Hussain Shah, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Riaz Shah Shirazi, MNA Sadiq Memon, and others. Promising to visit all of Sindh’s districts across April, CM Murad launched the programme in Thatta and Sujawal on orders from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
He said that at least Rs5 billion will be allocated for development projects in every district, with Rs1 billion reserved especially for initiatives based on party workers’ suggestions for small-scale, community-driven projects.
In order to gather project proposals and expedite the process, he also announced the formation of committees at the union council, taluka, and district levels.
The deputy commissioners will subsequently prepare cost estimates for these suggestions, the CM said. The next provincial budget will include all approved programmes, no matter how big or small, he said, adding, “This is your government. The PPP belongs to the people; we are here to serve you.”
He called for Thatta and Sujawal workers to submit their project proposals within 15 days, stressing the value of community-led and inclusive planning.
Highlighting the government’s achievements in provincial infrastructure, Murad 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-Gharo 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 kilometres of water channels have also been completed in Thatta and Sujawal to enhance irrigation.
Regarding the contentious water issue, CM Murad 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. Murad stated that the PPP 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 the PPP chairman 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.
Murad 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 unutilised to the sea.
“Irsa approved this proposal without verifying the data,” Murad 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 25 minutes attacking the PPP,” he remarked. “We harbour no animosity toward anyone, even those protesting, but the truth must be made known.”
Murad 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.”
He also issued a warning, saying anyone involved in the drug trade will face severe consequences and strict measures will be implemented against them.
Concluding his speech, he announced that Bilawal would 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 PPP,” he said.
