Demonstrators Disrupt Train and Road Access in Sindh Over Government's Canal Initiative
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Synopsis
On April 21, demonstrators in Sindh blocked train and road access in protest against the government's canal project on the Indus River. The protests, which have intensified over the past few days, have been fueled by political parties' concerns over the environmental impact on Sindh's fertile lands.
Key Takeaways
- Protestors blocked rail and road access in Sindh against the canal project.
- Nationwide protests have been sparked by the government's Cholistan initiative.
- The PPP and other political parties have voiced strong opposition.
- Major cities in Sindh have experienced significant disruptions.
- Protests continue to escalate, raising concerns over the environmental impact.
Islamabad, April 21 (NationPress) A significant number of demonstrators obstructed railway operations near Khairpur city in Pakistan's Sindh province, effectively halting all transport routes to Punjab province, in response to their sustained protests against the government's intention to construct a minimum of six new canals along the Indus River.
The government's Cholistan project, aimed at irrigating lands in South Punjab, has instigated widespread protests from various political factions, including their coalition ally, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP). The PPP has voiced serious concerns regarding the project and has warned that it may lead to the downfall of the Shehbaz Sharif administration if the proposal is not retracted.
On Sunday, numerous activists and demonstrators from nationalist groups intensified their ongoing protests, blocking train services close to Khairpur.
Protest leaders and members in Sindh have organized large public assemblies and sit-ins, criticizing the Shehbaz Sharif government and its coalition partners, accusing them of plotting to transform Sindh's fertile land into a wasteland.
The protests against the canal initiative have garnered support from the legal community, who have held their sit-in protests in Sindh for the third consecutive day.
During the latest demonstration, railway services were restored after several hours of blockage by protesters. However, the ongoing demonstrations have effectively paralyzed the province.
Major cities and towns including Jamshoro, Larkana, Naushehro Feroz, Sujawal, Nawabshah, and Ghotki have reported shuttered businesses. Traffic between Sindh and Punjab has been disrupted, with roads and the National Highway blocked at various locations.
In Larkana, shops, fuel stations, and markets have closed, while business activities have come to a standstill in Ratodero, Baqrani, Dokri, and Badah. Commercial operations in Jamshoro and Nawabshah have been halted, with similar reports emerging from Sujawal, Kandhkot, Shahdadkot, Kashmore, and other districts where markets and public services have ceased operations,” noted Hanif Shamon, a resident of Mithi, Tharparker district of Sindh.
“The public perceives this as the most significant agitation in Sindh's history. All access routes to Punjab and other regions have been blocked for the past three days due to protest sit-ins against the irrigation canals. Massive protests have erupted across most areas of Sindh,” he added.
These demonstrations emerged following the inauguration of the Cholistan project by Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on February 15, 2025.
In the wake of the project's launch, the Sindh provincial government, led by the PPP, expressed strong reservations, passing a unanimous resolution against the project in March.
Since then, protests led by political parties including the PPP and PTI have been increasingly vocal against the controversial initiative dubbed 'Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI)', with dissenting voices growing louder as protests continue to escalate.
The $3.3 billion GPI, initiated by the government, seeks to establish six canals to irrigate approximately 1.2 million acres of unproductive land in South Punjab.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has issued a clear warning to the federal government, led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), urging them to avoid confrontation with Sindh regarding the new canals on the Indus River.
“Let it be known that our party will not align with the federal government if it does not retract the controversial project, even after considering the objections raised by the PPP,” stated Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Meanwhile, the government has opted to address the contentious canals project through dialogue, as PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and current PM Shahbaz Sharif have instructed their ministers to engage in discussions with the PPP regarding the issue.
“Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif have tasked me with addressing Sindh's concerns about the canal issue. We advocate for the equitable distribution of resources, including water, among all regions,” said Rana Sanaullah, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination.
Conversely, the opposition party, PTI, has accused the PPP of publicly opposing the canal project while secretly endorsing it as part of the federal administration.
“The PPP is a partner of the ruling government. Asif Ali Zardari is the President of Pakistan, and he backs the canals project,” remarked Haleem Adil Sheikh, provincial president of PTI in Sindh.
“The PPP cannot mislead us. We will not permit anyone to take what is rightfully ours. The federal and Punjab governments will not prevail. The people of Sindh must prepare for a significant struggle against the canals project,” he added.
