Canal projects: PTI holds ‘Salam Sindh Train March'
KARACHI: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh held 'Salam Sindh Train March' from Karachi to Daharki, led by its provincial president Haleem Adil Sheikh, to commend the public and legal community for their defiance against contentious canal projects on the Indus River.
The journey, spanning over 30 cities, culminated in a public rally at Ghotki. Key stations on the route included Karachi Cantt Station, Drigh Road, Landhi, and several others, with attendees receiving enthusiastic receptions along the way. Prominent figures such as PTI Sindh General Secretary Dr Masroor Sial and Karachi President Raja Azhar were among the participants.
During the march, Haleem addressed gatherings, emphasizing the march as a mark of respect for those opposing the canal ventures. He accused the 'Zardari mafia' of attempting to misappropriate Sindh's water resources and labeled the canal projects as existential threats to the region's 60 million residents. He asserted that Sindh's agricultural vitality is crucial for Pakistan's economy and vowed to prevent any canal construction on the Indus River.
Haleem also highlighted the leadership of PTI Chairman Imran Khan, portraying him as a pivotal figure for navigating Pakistan through current challenges. He criticised the existing administration for undermining civil liberties and the judiciary, while also condemning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's actions as 'water terrorism.'
Dr Masroor Sial remarked that the march signified unity and praised the public's role in halting the canal projects. Karachi PTI President Raja Azhar reiterated the mission to preserve Sindh's interests, emphasising the necessity of Imran Khan's leadership for the nation's progress.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Express Tribune
Trump's nominee Paul Kapur to prioritise Pakistan security ties in line with US interests
Listen to article Paul Kapur, US President Donald Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday that he would prioritise security cooperation with Pakistan where it aligns with US interests. He also expressed intent to explore opportunities for enhancing bilateral collaboration in trade and investment, He previously served on the State Department's Policy Planning Staff during Trump's first term, where he played a role in shaping US strategy in South Asia. Kapur, an academic of Indian origin, acknowledged the region's volatility, referring to the recent escalation between India and Pakistan. He said the crisis was narrowly averted due to 'intense engagement' by US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. "If confirmed, I will pursue security cooperation with Pakistan where it is in America's interest," says Paul Kapur who is set to become Trump's top diplomat on South Asia — Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) June 10, 2025 On Pakistan, he said that if confirmed, he would "pursue security cooperation where it is beneficial to US interests while seeking opportunities for bilateral collaboration in trade and investment." He noted that "South Asia recently avoided a costly conflict with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio intensely engaged on the issue." He added, "If confirmed, I will continue to promote long-standing US security interests with India and Pakistan through the pursuit of peace and stability and the fight against terrorism." These tensions between the two countires escalated after an attack in the Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) on April 22, which killed 26 people. India swiftly blamed Pakistan, but without presenting evidence. Islamabad denied the Indian claims and called for an independent probe. India the took hostile actions including the suspension of the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), halting trade, and closing border crossings, as it retaliated against the alleged attack. In response, Pakistan undertook reciprocal measures, including halting trade and closing its airspace to Indian aircraft. The situation quickly escalated as missile strikes and air raids rocked both nations, resulting in dozens of casualties. Following a military standoff, the US announced a ceasefire on May 10. President Trump later wrote on Truth Social: 'I will work with you, both to see if, after a 'thousand years,' a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.' READ MORE: Pakistan and India agree to immediate ceasefire Despite his commitment to regional balance, Kapur's prior scholarship has drawn criticism in Pakistan. His book Dangerous Deterrent and academic work, including India and Pakistan's Unstable Peace, have been viewed as reflective of a bias, with repeated suggestions that Pakistan instigates instability in the region. Kapur pledged to focus on practical diplomacy. 'If confirmed, I'll support efforts to bring home detained Americans in Afghanistan and work to prevent the country from becoming a terrorism launchpad again,' he said. The Senate is expected to vote on Kapur's nomination later this month. READ: 'Indian aggression carries consequences' Paul Kapur is set to take over as Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, a role previously held by Donald Lu. Lu had earlier come under scrutiny following allegations by former Pakistani prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. Khan accused Lu of being involved in a 'foreign conspiracy' that, he claimed, led to his removal from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022. In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson, Khan alleged that Lu used threatening language during an official meeting with Pakistan's ambassador. 'On March 7... US undersecretary of state responsible for South Asia tells our ambassador in an official meeting [with] note takers on both sides that unless you get rid of your prime minister Pakistan will suffer consequences,' Khan said. He added that Lu should be sacked for 'bad manners and sheer arrogance.'
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Trump ready to mediate Kashmir dispute: US State Dept
US President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new US ambassador to China, former US Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, DC, US on May 7, 2025. Photo: REUTERS Listen to article President Donald Trump is willing to help mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, the US State Department has said. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Tammy Bruce said the president's efforts are consistently aimed at resolving deep-rooted global conflicts. 'President Trump has been the only one to bring certain people to the table to have conversations that nobody thought were possible,' she said. 'It shouldn't surprise anyone that he'd want to manage something like that.' READ MORE: After truce, Trump eyes Kashmir deal When asked whether the US administration might support a UN Security Council resolution or host leaders from both countries, Bruce said she could not speak to the president's future plans. As much as Modi gang doesn't want to hear the K word, the state department spokesperson Tammy Bruce blasts again. She says mediation on Kashmir between India and Pakistan is very much on the mind of President Trump. — Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) June 11, 2025 'But the world knows his nature,' she said. 'It is an exciting time... and I hope perhaps something like that can also get resolved before the President [leaves office].' Bruce also confirmed PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari met Under Secretary for Political Affairs Allison Hooker during a visit to Washington last week. 'They reiterated US support for the ongoing ceasefire — as you might imagine, thank God — between Pakistan and India,' said State Department spokesperson Bruce. 'They also discussed important issues to the bilateral relationship, including counterterrorism cooperation.' The Pakistani delegation visited Washington from May 31 to June 6, meeting more than a dozen US lawmakers and senior State Department officials. Bilawal Bhutto also presented Pakistan's views on Indian military actions, rising regional tensions, and concern over the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Read: India laying ground for 'first nuclear water war', says Bilawal Indian parliamentary delegation was also in Washington during the same period. Deputy Secretary Landau met the group and reaffirmed strong US support for India in its counterterrorism efforts and broader strategic ties. Last month following a brief military standoff, the US announced a ceasefire on May 10. President Trump later wrote on Truth Social: 'I will work with you, both to see if, after a 'thousand years,' a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.' READ MORE: 'I got that war stopped': Trump on Pakistan-India ceasefire Pakistan welcomed the offer, while India rejected it, maintaining that Kashmir is strictly a bilateral matter. In an interview with AFP, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari urged US President Donald Trump to play an active role in bringing India to the negotiating table for comprehensive talks with Pakistan. He emphasised that while Pakistan remains open to discussions on terrorism, the Kashmir conflict must be the central focus of any meaningful dialogue. Earlier, President Trump praised Pakistan's handling of recent tensions with India, calling its leadership 'very strong.' Speaking alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Trump remarked, 'Some people won't like when I say that, but it is what it is,' and credited his diplomatic efforts for helping de-escalate the crisis.
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PTI tears into 'elite-driven' budget
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the federal budget 2025-26 both inside and outside the National Assembly on Tuesday, calling it an "IMF-dictated budget" that lacks public legitimacy and launching a two-pronged attack: an aggressive protest on the assembly floor and a pointed press conference soon after. The finance minister's second consecutive budget speech kicked off under fire, with the opposition benches erupting into noisy protest from the get-go. As Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb began unveiling the budget, PTI lawmakers rose to their feet, banged budget books on their desks, blew whistles, and held up posters calling for the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. Throughout the presentation, they chanted slogans against the government, branding the budget illegitimate and anti-people. Undeterred by the uproar, the finance minister pressed on, while treasury members donned headphones to tune out the opposition's noise. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who entered the house amid the commotion, remained seated and unflinching, as ruling party lawmakers formed a protective cordon around him to avoid any direct clash with the protesting members. Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Omar Ayub Khan led from the front, setting the tone for a coordinated protest and ensuring every PTI lawmaker played their part. Remaining on his feet throughout the session, he repeatedly slammed the budget book on his desk and signalled to fellow members to stay engaged. Lawmakers tore papers and flung them into the air at intervals. After the initial outburst, opposition members moved en masse toward the area between the speaker's desk and the prime minister's seat, continuing their chorus of slogans without letting up. The disruption echoed the tense scenes from last year's budget session, when the finance minister's maiden speech faced an equally turbulent reception from PTI-turned-Sunni Ittehad Council lawmakers. Then as now, the protests included loud chanting, desk-slamming, paper-tearing and close proximity to the PM's seat, prompting treasury members to act as a human shield. Shortly after the session, senior PTI leaders, including NA opposition leader Omar Ayub, PTI Central Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja and Leader of Opposition in Senate Shibli Faraz, addressed a joint press conference, reiterating their categorical rejection of the budget. "This is not a people's budget; it's an IMF budget designed to serve elite interests," the opposition leader said. Ayub questioned the government's economic claims, particularly the projected GDP growth of 2.7%, and sarcastically asked: "Who counted the donkeys and did they differentiate between the four-legged and two-legged ones?" He dismissed the budget as detached from reality, pointing to deepening inequality, inflation and declining industrial output. PTI information secretary was more scathing, calling the budget "economic gallows" for the people, saying it was not a budget for the nation rather a public execution plan. He further said that PTI considers this a "Leela budget" - implying the budget is a farce that ultimately sacrifices common people like goats at slaughter while the elite's interests are protected. He questioned the logic behind token relief for the salaried class and warned that the development allocations were unrealistic and insincere. Opposition leader in the Senate, Shibli Faraz, added that the government had broken all previous records of elitist budgeting. The opposition leader in the Senate said that budgets have been made for the ruling class for decades, but this year's budget has broken all previous records of elite budgeting. Criticising the government, Faraz said: "When such legislation and budget-making takes place in Parliament, it is not just undemocratic but hostile to the country's interest." Faraz also noted that the Afghan currency had appreciated more than the Pakistani rupee, calling it an indicator of the government's failure. "When a government comes to power through Form-47s, it lacks the trust needed for serious reform," he said, warning that economic manipulation without legitimacy would not bring progress. Addressing the media, Faraz condemned the government's handling of inflation and taxation, particularly for salaried individuals. He remarked that the salaried class was being relentlessly squeezed, stating, "as much blood as can be drawn from them is being drawn." He questioned how a country could progress while functioning on what he described as "IMF crutches". Faraz also criticised the state's response to peaceful demands from government employees, noting that when government workers began protesting for their rights, the entire Red Zone of Islamabad was sealed off. "Those who ask for their lawful rights are treated as if they are doing something wrong," he said. PTI secretary general Salman Akram Raja described the document as one that "makes the rich richer and the poor poorer," saying the salaried class and poor people were burdened further. All leaders also reiterated their demand for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan and his wife, describing their incarceration as illegal and politically motivated. They called the ongoing legislative process illegitimate and demanded the restoration of constitutional order, public mandate and rule of law. Earlier, the protest in the assembly followed a detailed strategy discussion in PTI's parliamentary party meeting, held hours before the session. The party rejected the 2025-26 budget outright, terming it a continuation of policies dictated by the IMF. Lawmakers reiterated their stance that the current government had no mandate to present the budget, arguing that it was formed through manipulated election results and did not reflect the will of the people. In its official statement, the PTI parliamentary party declared that the government had no legal or moral authority to legislate on behalf of the public. "This is an IMF budget, not a people's budget," the party said, vowing to resist its passage at every forum, including both the National Assembly and Senate. It condemned the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens, stating that while the poor were crushed under inflation, the ruling elite continued their lavish lifestyles unchecked. The party also expressed strong disapproval of NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq's conduct, accusing him of acting as a partisan figure rather than a neutral custodian of the House. Lawmakers demanded that the speaker act according to his constitutional role rather than serving party interests. It was also decided in the meeting that a privileged motion would be moved if opposition speeches continued to be censored on national broadcasts. PTI lawmakers further resolved to raise the issue of media blackout on their speeches in the assembly and to protest outside if necessary.
