POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Saturday addressed recent claims that President Asif Ali Zardari had approved the controversial canal project from the Indus River, strongly denying these reports and reaffirming the president's opposition to the project.
Speaking in Thatta, Murad Ali Shah said, "The conspirators claim that President Zardari has approved the canal project. Were these people present in the closed room wearing Solomonic caps?" He further clarified that in a joint session of Parliament, President Zardari had clearly stated that he does not support the creation of canals.
This comes as a response to ongoing controversy surrounding the proposed canal project, which has faced strong opposition from various organizations in Sindh. The project, which aims to divert water from the Indus River, has raised serious concerns regarding its impact on the region’s water resources and agriculture.
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which President Zardari leads, has been at the forefront of opposing the project. Many in Sindh fear that the creation of additional canals will exacerbate water shortages in the province, affecting farming communities and local ecosystems.
"President Zardari's stance remains clear," said the Sindh CM, stressing that the PPP has consistently opposed any initiative that would harm Sindh's water rights and agriculture. He reiterated that the party stands firmly against the canal project and will continue to fight any such proposals.
The debate over the canal project continues to intensify as multiple stakeholders, including political parties, environmentalists, and local communities, remain deeply divided over its potential consequences.