Maps
Magazine

POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

PML-N Engages Sindh Lawyers; PPP Aims for Support in April 25 Canal Protest
PML-N extends a dialogue offer to Sindh’s protesting lawyers over the controversial canals project. Meanwhile, PPP seeks support for its April 25 protest.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-23
PML-N Engages Sindh Lawyers; PPP Aims for Support in April 25 Canal Protest

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has extended an offer for talks to the lawyers in Sindh who have been protesting the controversial canals project, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has sought to gain their support for an upcoming public gathering on April 25.

The dispute over the proposed canals on the Indus River has sparked widespread protests across the country, with strong opposition from the people and political parties of Sindh. The issue gained further prominence after the inauguration of the Cholistan irrigation project by Chief of the Army Staff General Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on February 15, despite objections raised in Sindh.

In response to the growing protests, PML-N Sindh president Bashir Memon met with Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo, president of the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) Karachi chapter, in Khairpur. Memon, who had been instructed by PML-N Punjab President and Prime Minister's Adviser Rana Sanaullah, extended the offer of dialogue between the federal government and the protesting lawyers.

Speaking to Dawn.com, Memon stated, “I met Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo to invite him for talks with [Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif] regarding the ongoing protests against the new canals on the Indus River.” He further added that his previous discussions with Karachi Bar Association (KBA) President Aamir Nawaz Warraich were part of the effort to begin negotiations with the lawyers’ leadership.

SHCBA’s Metlo confirmed the invitation and expressed readiness for talks. However, he underscored that the lawyers' demands were clear and non-negotiable. “Corporate farming and the canals project should be done away with. That’s it,” Metlo said. He added that the legal fraternity’s stance on these issues was firm and unwavering.

A 14-member committee has been established by the protesting lawyers to represent their demands and negotiate with the government. The committee, which includes members from 25 district bar associations and four high court bar associations, will focus on issues such as the proposed six canals on the Indus River, corporate farming, and amendments to key laws such as the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA).

Meanwhile, senior PPP leaders Syed Khurshid Shah and Nisar Khuhro were scheduled to meet with the protesting lawyers in Babarloi, Khairpur, to invite them to join the PPP’s April 25 public meeting. The PPP aims to rally support against the canals project and to highlight issues of concern for the people of Sindh.

Hyderabad District Bar Association President Ashar Majeed Khokhar stated that the 14-member lawyers’ committee would meet with the PPP leaders, further solidifying the political divide over the issue. The talks, which reflect the ongoing tensions in Sindh, underscore the complexities of negotiating the future of the canals project and the broader concerns surrounding its implementation.

As the political and legal leadership in Sindh continues to clash over the project, it remains to be seen whether dialogue between the protesting lawyers and the federal government will yield any meaningful concessions or if the issue will escalate further.
Tagged:

PMLN

ppp

SindhProtests

LawyersProtest

CanalsProject
Share News: