• SINDH CM urges protesters not to trouble “own people”.
• Says PPP will protest if conversations with center remain fruitless.
• Will block contentious channel project at all costs, says CM.

Sindh Minister of Chief Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday called on protesters who demonstrated against the construction of new channels, to remain peaceful and do not cause difficulties to the people by blocking highways and most important pathways.

CM Murad, who approached a press conference in Karachi, said, “Lawyers and nationalists should continue their protest without worrying about their own people.”

He said that PPP and protesters share the same goal, adding that his party would also arrange protests if their ongoing negotiations with the federal government remained fruitless.

In February this year, Chief of Army Staff (Coas) launched General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Green Pakistan initiative in Cholistan, aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and giving farmers agricultural facilities under one roof.

The project triggered a wave of turmoil across Sindh, and the provincial assembly in March unanimously adopted a decision against the construction of six new channels on the Indus River. Meanwhile, the great Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other nationalist parties took the streets and staged massive events in different cities in the province, including Karachi.

In his severely affected press today, Sindh CM announced that the disputed channel project will be blocked at all costs.

“The Sindh government and PPP do not allow the canal project to be built with the power of the population,” he added.

CM maintained that the work on the channel project had been stopped since July 2024, and the approval of the project had been pierced since November last year. He was wondering why the project was not abandoned.

“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also aware of the serious consequences of the channel project,” he said, hoping the prime minister would trade with justice.

Protest in Karachi

A protest marsh from Save Indus Students Alliance, supported by Karachi Bachao Tehreek and others, took place at Teen Talwar and marched to Fowara Chowk. The protesters were also together with Zulficar Ali Bhutto Jr.

The protest, like many others in the province, demonstrated against the channel project and held a demonstration at Fowara Chowk.

A day earlier, special assistant to PM on political affairs Rana Sanaullah Sindh Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon called for the third day in a row to discuss the matter.

“The Prime Minister will make an appropriate decision on this matter,” said Sanaullah, while Memon emphasized that “every time conversations take place, they will be at the government-to-government level.”

Sanaullah talked about Pakinomist News’ Pakinomist Pakistan “Tuesday, Sanaullah assured that Sindh’s interests would not be compromised.

“[We do not have] Any intention of stealing even a drop of Sindh’s water, ”he said, adding that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) was ready for dialogue and that the federal government took the issue seriously.

The minister also tried to neglect comments from PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, who had warned last week that his party would share ways of the reigning coalition if the federal government could not tackle its serious reservations over the controversial Canals project.

“What Bilawal said at the public collection was said in the heat by giving a speech,” Sanaullah said.

He urged restraint in political discourse and reminded all sides of maintaining mutual respect. “It is not necessary to respond to what Bilawal said. Statements must remain within limits and others must appear respect and dignity,” he added.

Memon repeated the federal government’s attitude towards dialogue and repeated the Province’s concerns. “The channel question is of public concern,” he said, adding, “The Sindh government represents the population of Sindh.”

Memon added that objections to the channel project had been erected on several occasions and forums. “If the federal government wants to discuss the matter, it is welcome. OPP will certainly advocate the case of the population of Sindh,” he said.

Meanwhile, protests in Sindh continue on the question of causing disturbance. MEMON appealed to protesters to protest responsibly. “Protesters have been requested to keep their protests on the grounds, do not block roads, the ordinary people are injured,” he said.