Massive Protests in Sindh Against Indus Canal Projects
By [news-network.in] | May 2, 2025
Background
In April 2025, Sindh province in Pakistan witnessed widespread protests against the federal government's plan to construct six new canals on the Indus River. These canals are part of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), aimed at transforming arid lands into fertile agricultural zones. However, many in Sindh view this project as a threat to their water resources and agricultural livelihoods.
The Babarloi Sit-In: A Turning Point
The most significant demonstration was the Babarloi Sit-In, which began on April 18, 2025, near Sukkur. Led by lawyers, nationalist groups, and civil society organizations, the protest blocked the National Highway, halting traffic between Sindh and Punjab. Protesters demanded the cancellation of the canal projects and the GPI, citing potential ecological and economic harm. The sit-in lasted until April 29, culminating in a decision by the Council of Common Interests to reject the canal plans, marking a victory for the protesters.
Province-Wide Mobilization
The movement gained momentum with province-wide shutter-down strikes and sit-ins, particularly in cities like Karachi, Hyderabad, and Larkana. Lawyers and civil society activists played a pivotal role in organizing these demonstrations. In Khairpur, a sit-in at the Babarlu Bypass on the National Highway reached its eighth day, drawing participation from bar councils across Sindh. Karachi also witnessed major disruption as the Sindh Bar Council continued its province-wide strike, with city court courtroom lockouts entering the fourth consecutive day.
Cultural and Political Solidarity
The protests saw participation from various sectors of society. Artists, including singers, poets, and writers, joined rallies organized by the Larkana Arts Council, highlighting the cultural dimension of the resistance. Political parties, such as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also expressed opposition to the canal projects. PPP-Sindh President Nisar Ahmed Khuhro announced that protest rallies would be taken out against the project in all district headquarters across Sindh on March 25.
Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The protests were not without controversy. In Jamshoro, a peaceful protest by Sindh University students was met with baton charges, shelling, and open firing by authorities. Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement (JSFM) chairman Sohail Abro condemned the violent crackdown, emphasizing that the state's actions were a violation of human rights and an attack on the entire Sindhi community.
Government Response and Future Outlook
In response to the escalating protests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held a high-stakes meeting in Islamabad. At a joint press conference, the premier announced that no canals would be constructed unless there is consensus in the Council of Common Interests (CCI). He confirmed that the next CCI meeting on May 2 would formally endorse the agreement reached with the PPP.
Protest Images
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