Sindh rises up against Indus canal project
HYDERABAD:
A massive protest march led by the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and Qaumi Awami Tehreek (QAT) kicked off from Sehwan in Jamshoro district to Dadu on Sunday, opposing the federal government's plan to construct six new canals on the Indus River.
The march, led by nationalist and opposition leaders, saw participation from thousands of demonstrators rallying against what they called an attempt to rob Sindh of its water rights.
Those who led the protest included GDA's Dr Safdar Abbasi, QAT's Ayaz Latif Palijo, Sindh United Party's (SUP) Syed Zain Shah, and Jeay Sindh Tehreek's Riaz Ali Chandio.
Addressing the participants in several towns along the route, the leaders denounced the Green Pakistan Initiative, alleging that it was designed to benefit a handful of elites at the expense of millions of Sindh's farmers and labourers.
"If we could successfully resist the construction of Kalabagh Dam and the imposition of a dual local government system in Sindh, we will also ensure that this controversial canal project is rolled back," vowed the leaders.
Palijo also criticised the PPP for allegedly abandoning the 18th Constitutional Amendment, which was meant to strengthen provincial autonomy. "Turning Sindh into a desert is an act of hostility towards Pakistan's 250 million people," he declared.
SUP leader Syed Zain Shah underlined the importance of water for Sindh's survival. "Farmers are already struggling to sustain themselves. If their last means of livelihood-agriculture-is taken away, they will starve," he warned.
Jeay Sindh Tehreek's Riaz Ali Chandio said water is a matter of life and death. If the government does not retreat, the people's response will be equally strong.
Former chief minister Liaquat Ali Jatoi blamed PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly trading Sindh's resources to maintain political dominance.
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