Protests against new canals intensify
The Jeay Sindh Mahaz (JSM), amid protests interminably continue across Sindh against the proposed construction of six new canals on the Indus River, blocked the Indus and National highways at three different locations on Friday.
The JSM Chairman Riaz Ali Chandio, who led a protest rally on the National Highway in Moro, Naushehro Feroze district, said they carefully chose April 4 for their protest to neutralise the propaganda being spread by Pakistan Peoples Party.
"Unless the government issues the notification of cancelling all these controversial projects, the protests would continue," he warned.
Chandio reiterated that the Green Pakistan Initiative, new canals and the corporate farming are all meant to rob Sindh of its water and land.
"It is an economic murder of the entire population of Sindh which is dependent on agriculture." He claimed, the PPP is organising cosmetic protests in the province although it has given its consent for the construction of new canals. Dr Niaz Kalani of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz (JSQM) deplored that the people who participate in peaceful protests are being subjected to enforced disappearance besides being nominated in flimsy FIRs. However, he asserted, the protests are becoming stronger with each passing day despite all the pressure tactics being employed by the government.
Meanwhile, Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party Chairman Dr Qadir Magsi announced that his party would start sit-in protests on the highways in the province from April 10. He said every day a different location of the highways will be selected for the sit-in. "The ongoing protests against the canals and the corporate farming have turned into a movement which won't stop."
In a novel form of protest, a bride made it mandatory for the groom to affix banners rejecting canals at their wedding function in a village in Shahpur Jahania area of Noushehro Feroze district on Friday. The couple, whose marriage was later solemnized in the afternoon, belong to Unar community. Not only banners were put on walls of the wedding hall, but the place reverberated with songs and slogans of nationalists and disapproval for the canals. Rallies and demonstrations were also organised in dozens of other places in many districts of the province.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Minorities pay tribute to Quaid, vow unity, sacrifice for Pakistan
Leaders from Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and other minority communities gathered at Mazar-i-Quaid as part of Independence Day celebrations. The ceremony featured floral tributes, national slogans, and emotional vows to defend the country at all costs. PHOTO: EXPRESS In a vibrant show of patriotism and solidarity, the Pak Christian Foundation organised a special ceremony at Mazar-i-Quaid on Saturday to commemorate Independence Day and honour the enduring struggle of Marka-e-Haq. The event brought together leaders and members of Pakistan's diverse minority communities in a powerful display of national unity. Prominent representatives from the Christian, Sikh, Hindu, and other minority communities participated in the event. They visited the mausoleum of the Founder of the Nation Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and laid floral wreaths to pay homage to his legacy. The participants offered heartfelt tributes to Quaid-i-Azam and raised patriotic slogans, including "Pakistan Zindabad" and "Pak Army Zindabad." They also expressed profound appreciation for the armed forces of Pakistan and their historic success in Operation Baniyan Marsous, acknowledging the sacrifices made in the fight for peace and stability. Pak Christian Foundation President Tariq Samuel addressed the gathering and emphasised that minority communities are playing a vital role in Pakistan's development and progress. He asserted that minorities in Pakistan are safe, respected, and proud to contribute to the nation's growth. "We strongly condemn all forms of terrorism," he said. "We salute the martyrs of our security forces who laid down their lives defending the country." Reaffirming their commitment to national defense, Samuel declared, "minority communities are always ready to make any sacrifice necessary for the protection and security of our homeland. We are celebrating Independence Day with full enthusiasm - we are all united under the shadow of this flag."
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Sindh approves reforms for education, transport
CM Murad Ali Shah speaks in the Sindh Assembly as the debate on the provincial budget concluded on Monday. Photo: Express Listen to article The Sindh cabinet on Thursday approved a string of key policy measures and development initiatives aimed at improving administrative efficiency, reforming education governance, ensuring road safety, and preserving the province's heritage. The cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, granted in-principle approval to the Excise and Taxation Department's proposal for launching a new vehicle registration system linked to Computerised National Identity Cards (CNICs). Under the proposed model, personalised registration numbers will be assigned to vehicle owners rather than chassis numbers, allowing owners to retain their number plates even after selling their vehicles. Officials said the initiative, which aligns with international practices, would enhance tracking, facilitate tax compliance, and improve vehicle ownership records. The cabinet also approved the necessary legal amendments to implement the CNIC-based registration framework and directed the department to launch a pilot project before rolling it out across the province. Read More: Sindh govt moves to clip powers of education boards The cabinet also approved the establishment of vehicle fitness centres for commercial vehicles across the province. The centres will be set up by Wah Industries Limited, with the first phase covering Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur. More centres will be established in other districts in subsequent phases. Legal amendments will be introduced to make fitness certification mandatory for commercial vehicles, while private vehicles will not be subject to the same requirement. The cabinet also gave nod of approval for a procedural mechanism for registering government vehicles with modified chassis or confiscated units, allowing federal and provincial agencies to register such vehicles under designated series. A committee headed by the excise minister will finalise the legal framework. The cabinet sanctioned a fresh resurvey of 3,371 historical buildings across the province, many of which are said to be in poor condition. An amount of Rs20 million has been allocated for the initiative. Expert committees will be formed to assess the status of each site and recommend necessary restoration and conservation measures. Also Read: IBA Sukkur to conduct MDCAT in Sindh The cabinet also okayed an amendment to the rules governing educational boards, allowing officers of BS-19 and BS-20 to be appointed as chairpersons. Earlier, only BS-21 officers were eligible for the position. The move aims to ease recruitment bottlenecks and improve administrative efficiency in the education sector. The provincial cabinet gave its nod to a new policy concerning the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT), reassigning the responsibility of conducting the exam to Sukkur IBA University under the provisions of the PMDC Act, 2022. According to the new rules, candidates will be required to furnish Sindh domicile, juvenile card or biometric verification to appear for the test. Entry and merit criteria will be strictly in line with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regulations. Officials said the decision to reassign the MDCAT to Sukkur IBA was taken in view of the need for standardisation and administrative continuity.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Rallies mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir across Sindh
Schoolchildren take part in a solidarity rally on Youm-e Istehsal to raise awareness among the younger generation about the Kashmir cause. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS Cities across Sindh echoed with chants of solidarity as rallies and ceremonies were held to mark Youm-e-Istehsal Kashmir, commemorating India's revocation of Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir's special status on August 5, 2019. Citizens, students, officials, and civil society members united in a powerful display of support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. In Sukkur, a massive rally led by Deputy Commissioner Nadir Shahzad Khan began at Municipal Stadium and concluded at the Sukkur Press Club. Participants, including district officials, political leaders, and students, waved Kashmiri flags and held placards reading "Kashmir will become Pakistan." DC Khan condemned India's unilateral actions and reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for Kashmiris. Larkana's Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University observed the day with a solemn walk from Chandka Medical College to Benazir Chowk. Under the guidance of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nusrat Shah, students and faculty highlighted the resilience of Kashmiris and held a minute of silence to honor their sacrifices. Speakers emphasised the need to amplify Kashmir's voice globally. In Hyderabad, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) organised a spirited rally led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ikram Din Ujjan. Students and teachers waved national flags and chanted patriotic slogans. Prof. Ujjan praised Pakistan's armed forces and called India's actions in Kashmir illegal and against UN resolutions, asserting that Pakistan stands firmly with its Kashmiri brethren. Meanwhile, in Matiari, a grand rally led by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Yousif Shaikh began at Taluka Hospital and ended at the Press Club. Government officials, students, and citizens joined in, chanting slogans and playing national songs. DC Shaikh condemned the ongoing oppression in Kashmir and stressed that peace in the region hinges on a just resolution of the Kashmir issue. Across Sindh, the message was clear: the people of Pakistan stand united with Kashmir, committed to justice, freedom, and international advocacy for their cause.
