Govt initiates talks on canals controversy
The government initiated face-to-face talks with stakeholders in Sindh regarding the Indus canals issue. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, while a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) delegation visited protesting lawyers in Babarloi, Khairpur district.
According to Express News, Shah met with Shehbaz at the Prime Minister'd House, where he expressed concerns about the proposed construction of six new canals on the Indus river. Sources said both sides shared their respective positions on the matter.
Earlier in the day, PML-N Sindh President Bashir Memon visited the protesting lawyers who had blocked the National Highway in Babarloi, Khairpur, and held talks with Karachi Bar Association (KBA) President Aamir Nawaz Warraich and other lawyer leaders in an effort to end the sit-in.
The latest development is seen as a follow-up to the contacts initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Adviser on Political Affairs with various political parties to address the widespread protests across Sindh. Memon and Rana Sana had reached out to Sindh Bar Council President Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo by phone, offering to initiate dialogue. Rana Sanaullah also spoke with Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon and various nationalist party leaders.
The negotiations between the protesting lawyers and the PML-N delegation concluded in Sukkur, according to sources. The lawyers presented four demands to the federal government representatives, with the cancellation of the canal project being the top priority.
Other demands included concerns over corporate farming, the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (Peca), and the 26th constitutional amendment. The PML-N delegation invited the lawyers to meet with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The lawyer accepted the offer and a 14-member delegation would meet Shehbaz, it was agreed. "Our key demand is the issuance of a notification of scrapping the canal project. Our sit-in will continue until that happens. It would be ideal if the prime minister comes to Sukkur for the talks," Warraich said.
Memon stated that they had received the lawyers' four-point list, which would be presented to the prime minister. "The next meeting will be held directly between the lawyers and the prime minister, where all matters will be resolved," he said, expressing hope for a positive outcome.
Meanwhile, PML-Functional leader, Sardar Abdul Rahim, told reporters in Ranipur that Memon visited the protest site with a message from his party leadership. "The legal fraternity responded clearly: cancel the canal project, issue the notification, and then we will talk," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan's high-level multi party delegation arrives in London
The nine-member high level parliamentary delegation led by former Foreign Minister and Chairman Pakistan People's Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has arrived in London after completing successful visits to Washington and New York, Radio Pakistan reported. The delegation has been appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to project Pakistan's position on the recent clash with India and highlight the need for the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The other members of the delegation include Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Dr Musadik Masood Malik; Chairperson, Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination and former Minister for Information and Climate Change, Senator Sherry Rehman; Chairperson, National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and former Foreign Minister, Hina Rabbani Khar; former Minister for Commerce, Defence and Foreign Affairs, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan; MQM's Parliamentary Leader in the Senate and former Minister for Maritime Affairs, Senator Syed Faisal Ali Subzwari; and Senator Bushra Anjum Butt. The delegation also includes two former Foreign Secretaries, Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani, who also served as Caretaker Foreign Minister, and Ambassador Tehmina Janjua. In London, the delegation will hold meetings with the senior leadership of the UK Parliament, including All Parties Parliamentary Groups on Pakistan and Jammu and Kashmir. They will also meet with leadership and senior officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The delegation members would extensively engage with leading think tanks and international media to highlight Pakistan's efforts for regional peace. During their visit, the delegation will highlight Pakistan's responsible and restrained conduct – seeking peace with responsibility – in the face of India's reckless and belligerent actions in violation of international law. They will also highlight that dialogue and diplomacy should take precedence over conflict and confrontation. The delegation will underscore the imperative for the international community to play its due role in promoting a lasting peace in South Asia. The need for immediate resumption of the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty will also be a key theme of the delegation's outreach.
Express Tribune
11 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan celebrates second day of Eidul-Azha with festivities
The second day of Eidul Azha is being celebrated with religious fervour and festive spirit across Pakistan. Citizens continued to offer animal sacrifices in commemoration of the Sunnah of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) opn Sunday, while families enjoyed outings, food gatherings, and visits to scenic spots. Municipal authorities in cities and towns ensured the smooth disposal of offal and solid waste to maintain cleanliness during the festival. Pakistan, Iran leaders discuss bilateral ties, regional issues in Eid call Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on [day], exchanging Eid-ul-Adha greetings and discussing regional security issues, Sharif's office said in a statement. The two leaders reviewed progress on bilateral cooperation following Sharif's recent visit to Tehran, with the Pakistani premier reiterating Islamabad's desire to strengthen ties, according to the statement posted on Sharif's official Twitter account. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz )held a warm and constructive telephone conversation with the President of Iran, Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian to exchange Eid-ul-Adha greetings and convey best wishes to the people of Iran and Supreme Leader Ayatullah Ali Khamenei.… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 They also discussed the ongoing Pakistan-India tensions and the Gaza conflict, though no further details were provided. Sharif renewed his invitation for Pezeshkian to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity, the statement added. The call comes amid heightened regional tensions, with both Muslim-majority nations having recently mended ties after cross-border strikes earlier this year. Earlier on Friday President Asif Ali Zardari offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Saturday, joined by KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi and ex-PM Raja Pervaiz Ashraf. PM Shehbaz Sharif performed prayers at Lahore's Model Town with sons Hamza and Salman Shehbaz. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah offered prayers in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. Both the President and Prime Minister congratulated the nation and the Muslim Ummah, urging promotion of sacrifice, selflessness, and brotherhood. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz )had a telephone conversation with President Asif Ali Zardari and extended Eid-ul-Adha greetings to him. The President expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and conveyed his best wishes. Both leaders discussed the… — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) June 7, 2025 Zardari called for supporting marginalised communities, drawing lessons from Prophet Ibrahim's (AS) devotion. PM Shehbaz stressed the spiritual meaning of sacrifice and collective national progress, and reaffirmed solidarity with Palestinians and Kashmiris facing oppression. COAS Gen. Syed Asim Munir, alongside other service chiefs, extended Eid greetings to the nation, honouring the sacrifices of Pakistan's martyrs and their families. Later on Friday, President Zardari hosted foreign ambassadors and PPP lawmakers at Aiwan-e-Sadr, exchanging Eid greetings and thanking diplomats for their presence. PM Shehbaz also telephoned Zardari to extend Eid wishes; the two discussed the overall political situation. DPM and FM Ishaq Dar exchange Eid greetings with counterparts in Muslim world Deputy PM Ishaq Dar held Eidul Azha calls with foreign ministers of the UAE, Malaysia, Türkiye, and Iran. They exchanged greetings, reviewed ties, and prayed for global peace, especially in Palestine, and unity of the Muslim Ummah. Let me know if you'd like an excerpt, meta description, or SEO keywords as well. Tourism surge in K-P Meanwhile on the occasion of Eid, tourist activity surged in the country's northern regions, including in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), where thousands of tourists flock to popular destinations like Mahodand Lake in Upper Swat. Perched at 9,400 feet, the lake became a major attraction, with its snow-capped surroundings transformed into a picturesque setting by an interplay of mist, rain, and sunshine. 'Every raindrop adds to the magic,' said Nasir Khan, a tourist from Peshawar enjoying the serene landscape and fresh trout with his family. Despite tourism growth, some travellers expressed concern over poor road infrastructure and high accommodation costs in areas like Kumrat Valley. Meanwhile, K-P Governor Faisal Karim Kundi celebrated Eid in his hometown, meeting visitors at Kundi Model Farm. He engaged in discussions on political, social, and regional matters and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing citizens' issues, highlighting the Pakistan People's Party's (PPP) dedication to public welfare. Islamabad clears 1,362 tonnes of animal waste on Eid, uses drones for cleanup The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration collected and disposed of over 81,000 animal remains — totalling 1,362 tonnes — on the first day of Eidul Azha, as part of a zero-waste drive. The large-scale campaign, monitored by Chief Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, continued into its second day, targeting 107 dumping points across the capital. For the first time, drones were used to monitor operations and flag unattended sites for rapid response. Officials also disinfected sacrifice spots using rosewater, phenyl, and lime to prevent odours and germs.
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz extends Eid greetings to President Zardari, discusses national matters
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday telephoned President Asif Ali Zardari to extend warm greetings on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the premier conveyed his best wishes to the president, who reciprocated with gratitude and similar sentiments. The two leaders also held a discussion on the overall political landscape of the country and exchanged views on various national issues. Earlier in the day, both leaders felicitated the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha. In his message, the president that the day revives in 'us the spirit of faith, sacrifice, selflessness, and brotherhood', as per Radio Pakistan. The president called for drawing lessons from the spirit of sacrifice and selflessness shown by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and integrating them into our lives. 'Today, there is a pressing need to support the underprivileged and marginalized segments of our society. Along with the act of animal sacrifice, Eid calls upon us to make a solemn pledge to always care for those in need,' President Zardari said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz said the message of Eid-ul-Adha is not limited to the sacrifice of animals alone, but teaches us to sacrifice our ego, desires, and personal interests for higher purposes. Eid teaches us not only the importance of sacrificing life and wealth but also that nations achieve greatness when they work for collective welfare and selflessness alongside individual development, the PM said. 'Today, we must especially remember our Palestinian brothers and sisters who are enduring ruthless and inhumane oppression and hunger.'
