Amid escalating tensions, Sindh canal protests have forced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to call an urgent Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting today. The decision comes after mounting pressure from the Sindh government and widespread protests disrupting trade and transport across the province. Leaders hope that today’s meeting will ease the crisis by resolving the controversial canal project dispute.
Meeting Moved Up to Address Protests
Originally set for May 2, the CCI meeting was rescheduled at Sindh’s request. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed the gathering would take place this evening in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presiding.
Protests Bring Trade to a Standstill
Sharjeel Memon highlighted on national television how the ongoing demonstrations have paralyzed goods transport. Businesses and farmers have suffered significant losses as supplies could not move to other provinces. Although protesters insist they will not end their sit-ins until the CCI’s decision is finalized, Memon thanked the federal government for addressing their concerns promptly.
He also stressed the government’s belief in dialogue and peaceful solutions, hoping the protests will subside once the meeting concludes.
Read:Â Pakistan Stands Firm on Indus Waters Treaty Amid Rising Tensions
Root Cause: The Cholistan Canals Project
The root of the crisis lies in the federal government’s plan to build six canals on the Indus River to irrigate the Cholistan desert. The Rs211.4 billion project aims to cultivate 400,000 acres of barren land. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Sindh nationalist groups have strongly opposed the initiative, arguing it threatens Sindh’s water share.
Over the past weeks, opposition to the project has grown. Civil society, political parties, and religious groups have staged widespread sit-ins and rallies across Sindh.
Federal Government Seeks Consensus
The ongoing blockades have stranded heavy transport vehicles carrying essential goods like food and fuel. Drivers have reported tire damage and other hardships due to prolonged immobility.
Today’s CCI meeting could prove decisive in addressing both the controversial project and the mounting public anger.
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