Sindh Protests Against Proposed Indus River Canals

Sindh Taraqqi-Pasand Party's Qadir Magsi warns that six new canals on the Indus River could potentially devastate Sindh's 60 million inhabitants. During a large protest, Magsi blamed the Pakistan People's Party for detrimental policies and vowed continued resistance against the canal project, emphasizing Sindh's historical opposition to similar initiatives.

The Chairman of the Sindh Taraqqi-Pasand Party, Qadir Magsi, has issued a strong warning against the construction of six new canals over the Indus River, claiming it poses a grave risk to the livelihoods of 60 million people in Sindh. Magsi accused the Pakistan People's Party of pursuing policies harmful to Sindh, specifically attributing the current crisis to Asif Ali Zardari's presidency, which resulted in Sindh losing its rightful share of water.

Magsi's remarks came during a massive sit-in organized by his party at the Hatri bypass, where participants, including men, women, and children, blocked the highway for hours chanting against the canal project. He directly addressed Asif Ali Zardari, reminding him of the Sindhi people's support during his presidency and warning that they would not forgive him if harmful decisions persisted. Magsi reiterated his commitment to resist any dams or canals on the Indus River.

Referring to the historical opposition against the Kalabagh Dam, a controversial project proposed in 1998 and later by General Pervez Musharraf, Magsi urged Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to learn from past mistakes. He lamented that past water agreements were ignored, leading to the destruction of Sindh's agricultural land due to sea intrusion. Magsi questioned the ruling government's lack of action against the proposed canal project.

Concluding his address, Magsi pledged continuous protests until the project's cancellation. He announced upcoming protests in Sukkur and outside the Governor's House in Karachi. The demonstration featured speeches from various leaders who voiced their opposition to the canal project.

(With inputs from agencies.)