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CM Murad Urges Protesters to Avoid Roadblocks Over Indus Canals Project
CM Murad Ali Shah backs protests against the Indus canals project but urges lawyers & opposition not to block roads or trouble the public. He claims work on the project halted since July 2024.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-22
CM Murad Urges Protesters to Avoid Roadblocks Over Indus Canals Project

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday expressed support for the ongoing protests against the planned construction of six new canals on the Indus River but cautioned lawyers and opposition parties against blocking highways and causing public inconvenience during their demonstrations.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, CM Murad stated, “Please, continue your protest — we support it — but do not cause suffering for the public.” He described the protests as valid and aligned with Sindh’s interests but criticized the approach of blocking roads, particularly the M-9 motorway, saying, “Is this a protest when you cause pain to your own people of Sindh?”

The press conference took place alongside Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, during which CM Murad also paid tribute to Pope Francis following his passing.

The canal project, inaugurated in February 2025 by Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz under the Cholistan development initiative, has stirred public backlash in Sindh. The Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution against the canals in March, asserting the project threatens Sindh’s water rights.

Murad emphasized that work on the project had already been halted since July 2024, even before the public and opposition protests began in September. “No work has been done since then — only some minor materials were moved,” he claimed, adding that the Sindh government had already raised the issue before the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in June 2024 and sent formal letters to Ecnec requesting a complete halt.

He also clarified that while the project remains pending before Ecnec since November 2024, its symbolic inauguration in February created public confusion. “Punjab created a misunderstanding by showing a pointless inauguration that was not even an official start,” he said.

While appreciating the federal government for not advancing the project further, CM Murad demanded its official termination. “We want a clear announcement ending the project. These canals will harm Sindh and are not in the country's interest.”

He also addressed the concern of lawyers expressing a “lack of confidence” in the Sindh government, saying, “I trust them. They are working for the same cause.”

Wheat Crisis and Farmers’ Concerns

The Sindh CM also weighed in on the wheat procurement crisis in Punjab, expressing solidarity with farmers protesting unfair pricing and poor procurement policies. He noted that while Sindh procured wheat last year, Punjab failed to do so both last year and this year.

“This is a food security issue. Farmers may switch to other crops if losses continue,” he warned, calling for better seeds, land leveling, and advanced practices to increase crop productivity. “Water and food security challenges will not be solved through canals but by improving yield and water efficiency.”

National Finance Commission Representation

CM Murad also revealed that he had received a letter regarding Sindh’s nomination for the National Finance Commission (NFC), pointing out the delay of 14 months since the current federal government came into power.

In summary, while voicing strong opposition to the Indus canals project, the chief minister urged all stakeholders to maintain unity, ensure public safety, and adopt constructive methods to raise their concerns.

 
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