Will the Ruling Coalition Partner Leave the Pakistani Government Over Canal Dispute?

Islamabad, April 28 (NationPress) - The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a key partner in the ruling coalition of the Pakistani government, has declared its intention to withdraw from the federal government if the canal-related dispute is not amicably settled during the forthcoming meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI).

In response to widespread protests against the construction of six canals on the Indus River, the federal government has convened a CCI meeting on May 2 to seek a resolution, as reported by local media.

PPP leader and Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Shah stated, “If the canal issue is not addressed in the CCI meeting, the PPP will part ways with the government,” during a media briefing on Sunday.

A PPP delegation, led by Shah, recently met with its coalition partner, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P), urging them to withdraw their candidate for the upcoming Senate by-election for a vacant seat.

Shah emphasized that the canal issue has garnered widespread support across the province, underscoring its critical importance for Sindh.

“Everyone in Sindh is unified on the canal issue, and MQM has pledged its full backing to PPP in both the Sindh Assembly and the National Assembly,” he remarked.

Shah warned that the government may struggle to survive if the PPP exits the coalition, stating, “We understand that if the PPP departs, the government will not endure. Therefore, we anticipate the government to honor its commitments regarding the canal issue.”

Meanwhile, ongoing protests by lawyers and civil society activists in Sindh against the canal project have resulted in road closures across several areas, halting traffic between Sindh and Punjab along the National Highway.

Protesters have vowed to continue their blockade until an official announcement confirming the cancellation of the project is made.

Local media have indicated that the continuous sit-in demonstrations, which have persisted since last week, have disrupted the transport of essential goods due to the blockade. Heavy vehicle operators have reported that their trucks are deteriorating due to the extended stoppage.

The All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association has called for urgent intervention to mitigate the risks to lives and property posed by the ongoing road blockade in Sindh.

Association President Muhammad Owais Chaudhry highlighted that the closure of key highways and connecting roads due to the protests has left thousands of vehicles, including oil tankers, gas tankers, and coal trucks, stranded for several days.

He cautioned that prolonged exposure of hazardous vehicles to the elements could result in fires, explosions, or other serious incidents with devastating consequences.