KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah criticized the controversial canal project on the River Indus, alleging that the upper riparian authorities caused confusion by falsely inaugurating the initiative. Speaking at Cardinal House, Shah explained that this misinformation prompted the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, to mobilize public engagement to clarify the facts surrounding the project.

Shah highlighted the PPP’s leadership in opposing the canal project, noting that the party had presented its case to the Council of Common Interests in June 2024. Despite welcoming other parties to join the opposition, Shah emphasized the importance of conducting protests without disrupting public life, citing incidents where road blockages by protestors led to significant inconveniences.

The Chief Minister reassured that with public support, the PPP would prevent the construction of new canals. He stated that no progress on the project had occurred since July 2024 and expressed his disappointment that it had not been entirely scrapped by the federal government.

On the political front, Shah mentioned ongoing discussions with the federal government concerning water issues and food security, which he argued should be addressed by enhancing water efficiency rather than constructing new canals. He welcomed recent engagement from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the PML-N leadership in dialogues with the PPP.

In related developments, Shah expressed concern over the delayed federal decision-making impacting Sindh, including the overdue nomination process for the National Finance Commission. He also addressed educational reforms in Sindh and the unfortunate reluctance of some appointed educational board chairpersons to assume their roles.

Earlier, Shah visited Cardinal House to offer condolences on the passing of Pope Francis, whom he described as a “global spiritual leader and an ambassador of humanity.” He praised the late Pope’s message of peace and unity and expressed solidarity with the global Catholic community.

Shah’s remarks concluded with a call for the federal government to consider Sindh’s concerns and historical precedents regarding riparian rights, urging a just resolution to the canal controversy.