KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has declared the cancellation of the Cholistan Canal project a landmark achievement for Sindh, describing it as a triumph for constitutional justice and the collective will of the people and federation. Addressing party workers at the Old Terminal, Mr. Shah emphasized the democratic and legal processes through which the controversial project was rejected.

The announcement followed a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) that concluded with the project’s annulment. Mr. Shah commended the leadership of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), particularly Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, for their vigorous advocacy for Sindh’s rights. He noted that the project had been initially approved during a caretaker government, but was subsequently overturned through collective efforts.

Mr. Shah thanked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for convening an urgent CCI meeting and appreciated the support from chief ministers of all provinces and CCI members. He underscored that the CCI’s decision was aligned with the 1991 Water Accord, ensuring no projects would proceed without interprovincial consensus.

The Chief Minister also criticized misinformation and propaganda that had circulated during the process, stating that the IRSA certification was based on incorrect data. He highlighted the role of PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in mobilizing public support through rallies across Sindh, emphasizing that the project was detrimental to national interests.

Mr. Shah further clarified that neither the President nor the Prime Minister directly signs off on such projects, as approvals are typically granted by forums like ECNEC and CCI. The decision to scrap the canal project followed the cancellation of the IRSA certification, which had been challenged shortly after the provincial government took office.

The announcement was met with relief from Sindh residents, who had been protesting against the project. Mr. Shah called for an end to all protests and sit-ins, highlighting the power of collective action and acknowledging the contributions of legal experts and activists.

In his address, Mr. Shah paid tribute to the legacy of the Bhutto family, affirming the PPP’s commitment to provincial rights and justice. He reiterated that the cancellation marked a significant victory for the people of Sindh and Pakistan, achieved through unwavering dedication and constitutional advocacy.