KARACHI: Lawyers, nationalist groups, and civil society staged a significant sit-in protest on the National Highway and Link Road near Gulshan-e-Hadeed, voicing strong opposition to the controversial six canals project on the Indus River. The protest, organized by the Malir Bar Association, saw participation from Awami Tehreek, Sindh United Party, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM), Grand Democratic Alliance, and other organizations. The protest camp set up along the highway resulted in severe traffic disruptions, blocking the movement of all vehicles.
Malir Bar Association General Secretary Ayaz Ali Chandio Advocate, Awami Tehreek women leaders Para Soomro Advocate and Sakh Sindhu Soomro, along with other protesters, passionately declared that Sindh’s agricultural land would face devastation due to the project, with a severe water shortage forecast for the province. The protesters expressed their unwavering stance, with one slogan echoing across the gathering: “Indus River is dear to us.”
The protests, now widespread across Sindh, have sparked a growing movement against the canal project. If the federal government fails to retract the plan, further protests and sit-ins are expected, with additional sit-ins planned on highways in various parts of Sindh. Future strategies for the protests will be discussed and finalized in consultation with the supporting groups.
Meanwhile, traffic police have advised commuters to contact the traffic helpline at 1915 for alternative routes due to the blockages caused by the ongoing protest.
Boycott of Courts
In solidarity with the ongoing protests, the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) has announced an indefinite boycott of court proceedings, starting on Tuesday, April 22. The KBA has closed the gates of the city court, permitting only lawyers inside. Acting KBA General Secretary Imran Aziz explained that the association has been advocating for the past six months on four major issues, including opposition to the canal project and corporate farming in Sindh.
Despite their peaceful and constitutional demands, Aziz said the authorities had failed to engage with their concerns. He added that protests would continue, with the All Sindh Lawyers Action Committee organizing additional sit-ins in Kamboh, Kashmore, and Karachi. Lawyers’ groups remain steadfast in their resolve, with major highways in Kashmore and Kamboh expected to be blocked in the coming days as part of the ongoing protest against the canal project.
