KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has hailed the cancellation of the Cholistan Canal project as a significant victory for the people of Sindh and a triumph for constitutional justice. Speaking to jubilant party workers at the Old Terminal, Mr. Shah emphasized that the project, initially approved during a caretaker government, was annulled through a democratic process.
Mr. Shah praised the role of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for convening a meeting to address the issue. He also acknowledged the support from the chief ministers of all provinces and CCI members.
The project had faced opposition due to concerns over water allocation and its potential impact on provincial rights. Mr. Shah highlighted that the Sindh government had challenged the IRSA certification and the conditional approval granted by ECNEC, claiming these were based on incorrect data.
Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, played a pivotal role in advocating against the canal project. Mr. Shah noted that Chairman Bilawal had engaged with the public through rallies and discussions with the prime minister to stress the project’s lack of consensus among provinces.
The CCI meeting on April 28 resulted in the formal rejection of the project, aligning with the principles of the 1991 Water Accord. Mr. Shah affirmed the decision as a reflection of the people’s will, emphasizing the importance of provincial consensus for future projects.
Mr. Shah criticized those who attempted to mislead the public and incite provincial tensions. He reiterated the Sindh government’s commitment to justice and thanked all stakeholders, including lawyers and activists, for their efforts.
The chief minister called for an end to protests and sit-ins, urging unity and cooperation among provinces. He concluded by recognizing the unwavering support of the people of Sindh and their dedication to their rights, which empowered the provincial government to secure this outcome.