Murad Ali Shah: “Protests Will Continue Until Canal Projects Are Cancelled”
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken a firm and public stand against the federal government’s controversial canal projects, stating that unless they are officially scrapped, the province’s protests will continue without pause.
Canal Projects Called a Direct Attack on Sindh’s Water Rights
At the heart of the issue are the Cholistan and Chobara canal projects, which Shah believes will divert Sindh’s rightful share of water from the Indus River. “This is not just a development plan. It’s a direct attack on Sindh’s water rights and a violation of the 1991 Water Accord,” he said.
According to Shah, these projects are being executed without transparent consultation or data-backed planning. He warned that the people of Sindh would not remain silent while their lifeline—water—is being taken away.
No CCI Approval, No Legitimacy
One of the most pressing concerns raised by the Chief Minister is the lack of approval from the Council of Common Interests (CCI). As per constitutional requirements, any inter-provincial water project must go through CCI consensus. Shah stressed that without such approval, these canals have no legal or moral ground.
Criticism of IRSA’s Role
Shah also criticized the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) for allegedly approving the canal projects without accurate water flow data and without consulting all provinces. “IRSA is supposed to be a neutral authority, but right now, it’s working like a tool of the federal government,” he said.
Protests Will Intensify if Demands Are Ignored
The Sindh government has launched a series of protests, public awareness campaigns, and media outreach to highlight the issue. Shah made it clear that these efforts will only intensify if the federal government refuses to back down.
“Until there’s an official announcement to stop canal construction, the protest will continue — louder, stronger, and across every platform,” he vowed.
