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Sindh United Party Leader Opposes Canal Project, Warns of Destruction
Sindh United Party President Syed Zain Shah criticizes the canal project and the SIFC, warning it could lead to destruction. Protests planned to demand withdrawal of the decision.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-17
Sindh United Party Leader Opposes Canal Project, Warns of Destruction

In a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, Syed Zain Shah, the President of the Sindh United Party (SUP), strongly condemned the ongoing canal project and the role of the SIFC (Special Investment Facilitation Council) in the occupation of provincial resources. He warned that the decisions made by the federal government could bring great destruction to the country and go against the very concept of a federation. Shah expressed his concerns that the properties and natural resources of the provinces are being controlled in the guise of the SIFC, particularly targeting the resources of Sindh.

Shah also referred to the ongoing efforts of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which, after months of public protest, is now seemingly opposing the canals under pressure. He pointed out that the 2023 Act, passed with an alliance between PPP and the Muslim League (N), led to the occupation of the landowner’s resources. The approval of the canals through presidential orders on July 8 was a central point of contention. Despite the PPP members' apparent opposition to the canals, they have refrained from taking any concrete actions, such as filing a resolution in the National Assembly to withdraw the decision.

In his address, Syed Zain Shah accused the Sindh government of facilitating corporate farming by handing over 52,000 acres of Sindh's land for this purpose, a move that, according to Shah, actually involves 190,000 acres. He further criticized the government for spending billions of rupees on the SIFC conference in Islamabad, urging that political decisions should be made in political forums to avoid intensifying the ongoing crisis.

Shah reassured that the SUP’s movement to save the river and oppose the canal project is peaceful and non-violent. However, he warned that if the government continues to ignore their demands, the struggle might take a more aggressive turn, with the youth potentially resorting to resistance. The SUP remains firm in its position, and Shah stressed that their movement would continue until the canal decision is reversed.

To escalate the protests, the SUP has planned several major rallies, including one from Shaheed Hosh Muhammad Bridge to Hyderabad on April 19, a solidarity concerted Citizens Alliance rally in Karachi on April 20, a student protest in Karachi on April 22, and another rally from Larkana to Qambar on April 26. These protests aim to pressure the rulers to abandon the canal project, which Shah and other party leaders see as a direct attack on Sindh’s agricultural resources.

Shah reiterated that the SUP fully supports the struggle of students, lawyers, and farmers who are fighting for their rights. He emphasized that agriculture in Pakistan, particularly in Sindh, is suffering due to the water blockade in the Indus River, a situation he attributed to policies of the PPP government. He also warned that selling the country’s agricultural land to private companies would enslave future generations.

Shah called on the PPP to take action beyond protests and public relations campaigns, accusing them of hypocrisy in their approach. He concluded by reminding the media and the public that the foundation of the Greater Thal Canal was also laid by the PPP, and the ongoing water shortage is another gift from their government.

The press conference was attended by several key figures of the Sindh United Party, including Roshan Buriro, Ramzan Buriro, Amir Ali Thebo, Sami Chandio, and Hinj Raj.
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