Anti-Canals Protest Intensifies in Sindh
Protests against Controversial Canals turn Defiant as Crackdown Ordered
Agitators block all the link roads after the reports that police were facilitating truckers move to Punjab
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the situation can be resolved peacefully or if further conflict is inevitable.
Babaloe, Khairpur, Sindh
The ongoing protests against the construction of six controversial canals from the Indus River and the cancellation of land allotments to military-backed private companies under the Green Pakistan initiative are intensifying in Sindh, with fears that the situation may erupt into violence if the law enforcers launched the crackdown.
Following the reported initiation of police crackdowns on protest camps and the systematic arrest of activists across various towns, the resolve of protestors remains unyielded.
As prominent lawyers and their supporters maintain a sit-in at Babarloe bypass in Khairpur district and other strategic locations, blocking crucial highways to cut supply lines to Punjab and other regions, the provincial government led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has ordered police to forcibly remove the demonstrators. PPP is the partner to the Punjab-based Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) in federal government, and is responsible for allotting over 55000 acres of land to military-backed companies in Sindh, and agreeing to construction of six controversial canals in Punjab. The PPP leadership however has denied such allegations and for face-saving had staged anti-canals demonstrations.
During a press conference at the main protest site on April 27, lawyer leaders Aamir Warraich and others reaffirmed their intention to continue their struggle until the disputed canal projects are effectively shelved. They announced a boycott of court proceedings across Sindh till May 2, pledging to persist in their demonstrations. The lawyers have threatened police officials with serious repercussions if they attempt to interfere with court operations.
In a notable political development, the Sindh High Court Bar has canceled the membership of provincial Home Minister Zia Lanjar’s wife, a lawyer, for ordering police actions against the protests. This cancellation has been interpreted as a direct response to perceived betrayal.
In response to the police crackdown, which included reports of officers firing shots into the air to disperse crowds, thousands of residents rallied together to thwart police efforts in towns like Kandhkot and Kandhra. Witnesses reported that citizens used mosque loudspeakers to call others to join the demonstrations, resulting in a significant retreat of law enforcement.
The Malir area of Karachi saw the dismantling of protest camps, with the police confirming multiple arrests during operations across the province. Videos circulating on social media show police vehicles lined up, with communications instructing officers to clear highways and facilitate transportation for stranded trucks to Punjab. Reports indicate that law enforcement has previously facilitated truck movement via link roads in exchange for bribes; however, lawyers and activists have countered by blocking these routes as well.
Despite the oppressive heat reaching over 47 degrees Celsius, the perseverance of the protestors is remarkable, with approximately 50,000 individuals sustained at the Babarloe bypass alone, and numbers reportedly swelling to over 100,000 by nightfall. Community spirit prevails, as local philanthropists and residents supply food, water, and tea to both protestors and the many truck drivers stuck in the blockade for over a week. Scenes of unity emerged as even stranded truckers joined in the celebrations, dancing to Sindh’s national music.
Read: Pakistan plunges into water-war-like situation!
In a striking contrast to the ongoing protests, local reports have noted that no criminal activity, including kidnappings for ransom, has occurred in northern Sindh districts since the demonstrations began. In a viral video, armed dacoits have demonstrably joined the protestors, raising slogans of “No More Canals on Indus River,” indicating a shift in local dynamics.
As tensions rise and the potential for escalation looms, the commitment of Sindh’s protesters remains steadfast, drawing broader support and highlighting the socio-political complexities surrounding water resources and land rights in Pakistan. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the situation can be resolved peacefully or if further conflict is inevitable.
Amidst the escalating protests in Sindh, support for the demonstrators is not limited to the local populace; reports indicate that the Sindhi community across the globe is actively voicing their solidarity. Activists and community leaders from countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have organized rallies, social media campaigns, and petitions to highlight the urgent situation facing their fellow Sindhis. Hashtags like #StandWithSindh and #NoMoreCanals have gained traction online, as the diaspora raises awareness about the environmental and social consequences of the canal projects. Furthermore, many expatriates are reaching out to global NGOs and diplomatic channels to urge international pressure on the Pakistani government for accountability and dialogue. This transnational support underscores the significance of the struggle in Sindh, linking local issues to broader human rights and environmental justice movements worldwide.
Read: The moment for decisive action is now
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