Protesters firm on demand for canals cancellation
Lawyers, political and nationalist parties, and several civil society organisations continued their protest sit-in against the canals project at the Babarloi Bypass for an eighth consecutive day. Organisers claimed that so far, more than 200,000 people, including women and children, had participated in the protest.
Due to the sit-in, long queues of vehicles formed as traffic from Sindh to Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), and Balochistan remained suspended. Similar protests were also ongoing on many highways at Kamoon Shaheed, Dharki, Kandhkot, and other locations.
Addressing the protesters at Babarloi, Karachi Bar Association (KBA) President Amir Nawaz Waraich said there were reports of some police action against the protesters and warned that they would not yield to such tactics.
"I will tell the police officers that if you disturb the protesters or make any move, the entire Sindh will be shut down, and you will be responsible for the consequences," he warned. "Under no circumstances will we end the sit-in until a notification [cancelling the canals project] is issued."
Waraich stated that the federal government had been given two days to issue the cancellation notification. "If the notification is not issued by then, we will block the railway track at Rohri," the lawyer leader declared.
Speaking at the event, Allama Rashid Mahmood Soomro, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) provincial chief, vowed that the struggle against the Indus canals would continue until the project was abandoned.
The JUI-F leader rejected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's announcement on Thursday about suspending work on the canals and convening a Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting to build consensus on the issue.
"When the prime minister issued the notification [approving the canals], did he convene the CCI then? Did he consult the ECNEC [Executive Committee of the National Economic Council]? Did he involve Irsa [Indus River System Authority]?"
Soomro argued that if the canal notification was issued without consultation, why was a CCI meeting necessary to withdraw it? "We will not accept this drama," he said, adding that the prime minister had the authority to cancel the project outright.
Commenting on India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, Soomro warned: "When we refuse to share our water with Punjab, Balochistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who is India to stop it? We will fight for our water-no matter what."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
India's rhetoric fueling instability: FO
Listen to article Pakistan on Friday categorically rejected what it called "baseless and irresponsible statements" made by Indian political leaders in the Lok Sabha regarding the so-called "Operation Sindoor", reiterating that such rhetoric only fuels instability in South Asia. Foreign Office spokesperson, Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan, addressing his weekly press briefing, said, "The world knows that India carried out attacks on Pakistani territory without a shred of credible evidence. The so-called strikes on alleged terrorist sites led to the martyrdom of innocent civilians. India failed to avail itself of Pakistan's immediate offer for a joint probe into the Pahalgam incident, which speaks volumes about the falsity of their claims." He underscored that Pakistan's defense capabilities remain a strong deterrent against any adventurism by India. "For us, the only path to normalcy lies in mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to international laws and UN charters. India's continued reliance on jingoism, chest-thumping, and empty rhetoric is jeopardizing regional peace and stability." The spokesperson also dismissed recent remarks by the Indian Home Minister on the Indus Waters Treaty, saying such "displaced assertions carry no legal weight and cannot alter established international agreements." Reaffirming Pakistan's position on terrorism, Ambassador Khan stated: "Groups like BLA and TTP are recognised as terrorist organizations. Evidence shows they are being funded and facilitated from across the border. We have consistently raised this matter with Afghan authorities and expect decisive action." On relations with India, he said Pakistan remained open to dialogue based on mutual respect and international law but would continue to vigorously defend its sovereignty against any false narratives or hostile actions.
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
FO slams India's 'Operation Mahadev' as 'entirely fabricated'
Listen to article Pakistan has firmly rejected the unfounded assertions made by Indian leaders during the recent Lok Sabha debate on the so-called 'Operation Sindoor.' According to the Foreign Office, the statements are part of a broader pattern to distort facts, justify aggression, and glorify conflict for domestic purposes. During a media briefing on Friday, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan stated that India's attack on Pakistan, targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure, resulted in the loss of innocent lives. Despite this, Pakistan successfully neutralised Indian fighter jets and military targets, highlighting the failure of India's military objectives. 'The world knows that India attacked Pakistan without any verifiable evidence or credible investigation into the Pahalgam attack,' he said. 'Pakistan's actions in defending its territory were indisputable, and we strongly reject any further claims regarding the so-called 'Operation Mahadev,'" he added. The spokesperson also criticised India for rejecting Pakistan's offer for a transparent, independent investigation into the Pahalgam attack. Instead of seeking diplomatic solutions, India escalated tensions, prompting Pakistan to call for acknowledgment of India's military losses and the role of third parties in securing the ceasefire, the statement read. Pakistan has consistently rejected India's rhetoric on establishing a 'new normal' in bilateral relations. Khan reiterated that for Pakistan, the 'normal' in relations must be grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and adherence to international law, as outlined in the UN Charter. He also reaffirmed Pakistan's readiness to counter any future aggression, as demonstrated in May. The FO spokesperson also dismissed India's claims of 'nuclear blackmail,' calling it a tactic to obscure India's own escalatory actions. He clarified that Pakistan's deterrence is based on its conventional capabilities, underscoring its principles of discipline and restraint. Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan strongly condemned India's decision to suspend the agreement, describing it as a violation of international commitments. Khan urged India to immediately honour its obligations under the treaty. Also Read: Pakistan hit with 19pc tariff as Trump targets dozens of countries with new duties He also expressed concern over India's reliance on disinformation and nationalist rhetoric, warning that such actions jeopardise regional stability. "Nevertheless, Pakistan remains committed to peace, stability, and meaningful dialogue to address longstanding issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute," he said. The briefing also highlighted the diplomatic activities of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who visited the United States from July 20-28. The FO mentioned that during his tenure as president of the UN Security Council, Dar chaired a session focused on enhancing cooperation between the UN and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). On regional matters, the FO spokesperson welcomed the positive conclusion of Malaysia's special meeting on the Cambodia-Thailand situation, expressing hope for a peaceful diplomatic resolution. Read: Five cops martyred as Katcha bandits attack check post in Rahim Yar Khan He further commented on Pakistan successfully launching its remote sensing satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China. The satellite will greatly enhance Pakistan's capabilities in urban planning, disaster management, agricultural monitoring, and climate change research, he added. The spokersperson also said Pakistan looked ahead to the upcoming state visit of Iranian President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian over the weekend. The visit, marking his first official visit to Pakistan as president, is expected to further solidify the strong and enduring relationship between the two nations, he stated. The briefing concluded with a summary of Pakistan's ongoing commitment to regional cooperation, including its dialogues with high-level officials from China, Iran, and Turkey, reaffirming Pakistan's focus on fostering peace and stability across South Asia and beyond. Read More: GHQ commemorates 98th anniversary of China's PLA Responding to a question on Dr Aafia Siddiqui's case, the spokesperson dismissed speculation that Pakistan had changed its position. 'There is no policy shift,' the spokesperson said. 'The government continues to pursue her case through diplomatic, legal, and humanitarian channels.' He reiterated that the government has consistently pursued Dr Siddiqui's case since her 2010 conviction, employing high-level diplomacy, consular access, legal assistance, and clemency appeals to press for her release from US custody. 'Attempts on social media to misrepresent the government's efforts in this regard are regrettable,' he added. 'Pakistan will continue to pursue all diplomatic and legal channels to secure Dr Aafia Siddiqui's release while upholding international law and bilateral cooperation.'
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Nawaz, Maryam & KSA envoy discuss various issues
LAHORE: President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Saeed al-Maliki, to discuss matters of mutual interest, economic cooperation, defence partnership and issues related to the unity of Muslim Ummah. They conveyed their best wishes and heartfelt respect to the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen historical, political, economic and defence relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. They agreed to further expand defence partnership, joint training, intelligence exchange and mutual cooperation. The Chief Minister said, 'Land of Saudi Arabia holds a special spiritual and respectable place in the heart of every Muslim. Leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz is a symbol of hope, dignity and progress for the Muslim world.' Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, 'Relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia is based on mutual trust, shared values and long-standing brotherhood. Relations with Saudi Arabia is a central pillar of Pakistan's foreign policy, which is continuously strengthening in political, economic and other areas.' She highlighted, 'Pakistan signed charter of Global Water Organization under the leadership of Saudi Arabia as a founding member, which is an expression of its commitment to addressing water challenges.' The Chief Minister said, 'The role of Saudi leadership for peace in the region is commendable. Pakistan seeks resolution of issues through dialogue despite Indian aggressive actions.' She underscored, 'Pakistan ratified Indus Waters Treaty through the arbitration decision of June 27, 2025.' Maryam Nawaz said, 'Pakistan seeks Saudi cooperation for early completion of GCC Free Trade Agreement,' adding, 'Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is an effective platform for speedy completion of projects.' She flagged, 'I am grateful to Saudi government for hosting 2.5 million Pakistanis living in Saudi Arabia. Close and constant contact with Saudi Arabia at consular level is the top priority of Punjab government.' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
