2 weeks Ago By OUR STAFF REPORT
KARACHI/LAHORE - Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday appealed to the protesters, demonstrating against the construction of new canals, to remain peaceful and not cause hardships for the people by blocking the highways and main roads. While addressing a press conference in Karachi, CM Murad said that lawyers and nationalists should con-tinue their protest without creating troubles for their own people. He said that the PPP and protesters share the same goal, adding that his party would also stage protests if their ongoing negotiations with the federal government remained fruitless.
Sindh CM also announced that the contentious canal project will be blocked at all costs. “The Sindh gov-ernment and the PPP will not allow the canal project to be built with the power of the people,” he added. The CM maintained that work on the canal project had been stalled since July 2024, and the approval of the project had been pending since November last year.
He wondered why the project was not abandoned. Unknown gunmen kill 28 tourists in IIOJK “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also aware of the serious consequences of the canal project,” he said and hoped the premier would act with justice. Murad Ali Shah highlighted that the project, irrespective of its origin, is not acceptable to the Sindh govern-ment.
He requested PM Shehbaz Sharif to deal with this situation honestly and ponder over the possible consequences. Murad Ali Shah guaranteed that the Sindh government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are dedicated to stopping the Sindh canal project from having further progress, connecting public support to accomplish this goal. Murad Ali Shah expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing status of the Sindh canal project, noticing that work had been delayed since July 2024, with approval undecided since November 2024 in the Execu-tive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
Pakistan, Turkiye to further deepen bilateral cooperation On the other hand, Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Tuesday the leadership of Punjab was fully active in protecting and promoting the rights of Punjab’s farmers, and the province itself stood as a guardian for its agricultural community. Responding to Murad Ali Shah’s press conference, she highlighted that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Na-waz had, in just one year, provided historic packages worth Rs 110 billion to farmers. These included the Kisan Card, the Green Tractor Scheme, and modern equipment like the Super Seeder.
Additionally, she said, special packages had also been introduced such as solarisation of tube wells and a 15-billion-rupee subsidy for wheat. Punjab had achieved a record wheat production this year, and even higher yields were expected next year, she added. Sindh’s senior minister Sharjeel Inam Memon urged Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to calm down their party members.
He said some leaders are giving statements that may damage the political atmosphere. If it continues, PPP spokespersons will be forced to respond. Memon added that PPP wants the system to work and is ready for talks with the federal government.
May 9 riots case: Courts can’t remain silent over injustice: SC Speaking at a press conference with Nasir Shah and Senator Aajiz Dhamrah, Memon said PPP has stood firm on the canal issue since day one. He explained that Sindh opposed water distribution decisions made during the caretaker setup. Sindh’s representative in the IRSA meeting also objected to Punjab’s water cer-tification.
Memon claimed that Sindh legally raised objections as early as June, 2024. He said the Chief Minister signed the summary on June 14. Letters were sent to demand a CCI meeting.
He also argued that Punjab has sweet underground water for agriculture, unlike Sindh. Sharjeel Memon welcomed contact from Rana Sanaullah and praised the intent for dialogue. However, he criticized unnecessary statements by some ministers.
He urged peaceful protests and said blocking roads hurts ordinary citizens. He warned that if the rhetoric doesn’t stop, PPP will respond strongly. A tragedy, a pattern, and a familiar blame game Tags: sindh urges abandon.
