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Sindh Rises in Protest Against Controversial Canal Project
Mass protests erupt across Sindh against the controversial canal project. Highways blocked, rallies held, and blood lamps lit in Shahdadkot as people demand the survival of the Indus River.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-24
Sindh Rises in Protest Against Controversial Canal Project

Sindh is witnessing a wave of protests against the controversial canal project, with rallies, sit-ins, and demonstrations across the province. Major highways and roads leading to Punjab and Karachi have been blocked as thousands, including women and children, take to the streets to demand the survival of the Indus River.

In Shahdadkot, protesters lit blood lamps as a symbolic tribute to the river. Hyderabad saw a rally led by the Lower Sindh Rice Millers Association, marching from SSP Chowk to the Press Club. Meanwhile, renowned Sindhi artists and singers such as Sarmad Ayaz, Barkat Gopang, and Zulfiqar Mangi joined the protest in Hyderabad.

Tando Allahyar witnessed rallies by the Awami Tehreek and Sindhiani Tehreek, while in Dadu, the Priya Kumari Action Committee staged a sit-in. The Communist Party led demonstrations in Tando Muhammad Khan, and in Sukkur, the Students Alliance organized protests under various leaders.

Kandiaro saw thousands marching on the national highway, causing hours-long traffic suspensions. In Gambat, JSQM and other political groups clashed with police during a highway sit-in. Women-led protests in Badin and Thatta emphasized the deep public opposition to the canal project.

The protests are spreading across smaller towns and villages, with residents walking long distances to reach protest sites. In Mehar, citizens marched for 9 kilometers, while in Sindri, a 15-kilometer foot march was held. Torch rallies and motorcycle protests were also observed in various districts.

Sindh nationalist leader Ayaz Latif Palijo, addressing a sit-in, accused the government of approving the canal to weaken Sindh’s water resources. He urged President Asif Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto, and the Chief Minister of Sindh to withdraw support for the project.

The mass mobilization against the canal highlights the growing resistance from Sindh’s people, who fear that the project will further deplete their water supply, harming agriculture and livelihoods. With ongoing protests and increasing tensions, the issue is likely to remain at the center of Sindh’s political landscape in the coming weeks.
Tagged:

SindhProtests

SaveIndus

WaterRights

NoToCanals
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