In an effort to address escalating tensions over the proposed canal project, Adviser to the Prime Minister, Rana Sanaullah, initiated contact with key political figures in Sindh on Tuesday. The outreach aims to facilitate dialogue and find a resolution to the controversy surrounding the construction of six new canals intended to divert water from the Indus River to irrigate the Cholistan desert in Punjab.
Sanaullah engaged with leaders from various political parties, including Sindh United Party (SUP) President Syed Zain Shah, Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) President Ayaz Latif Palijo, and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Sindh Chapter General Secretary Allama Rashid Mehmood Soomro. During these conversations, Sanaullah conveyed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s desire to meet with Sindh’s political leadership to discuss the canal project and address their concerns.
Syed Zain Shah, leading the 17-party alliance ‘Darya Bachayo Tehreek’ (Save the River Movement), expressed that the Sindh government would continue its efforts until the canal project is abandoned. He emphasized the need for consultations with all allies, farmers, and legal representatives before responding to the proposed meeting.
Ayaz Latif Palijo highlighted widespread anger and agitation in Sindh over the canal project. He stated that the issue could be resolved if the federal government immediately cancels the project, asserting that all political parties in Sindh are united in their opposition.
Allama Rashid Mehmood Soomro of JUI-F emphasized that any negotiations should include all political parties, lawyers, and stakeholders. He called for an immediate halt to the canal construction work before any talks commence, reaffirming JUI-F’s firm stance on protecting Sindh’s water rights.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also received multiple calls from Rana Sanaullah, who assured that the federal government is committed to resolving the issue through constitutional means. Memon reiterated the PPP’s consistent opposition to the canal project and emphasized the need for a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting to address the matter.
The federal government’s initiative to engage with Sindh’s political leadership reflects an effort to de-escalate the situation and seek a consensus on the contentious canal project. However, the success of these talks will depend on the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and find a mutually acceptable solution.
