Larkana: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has declared firm opposition to the construction of the Marot Canal, a proposed irrigation project extending from the Sulemanki Barrage on the Sutlej River to Fort Abbas in the Cholistan Desert. Shah emphasized that as long as the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) exists, the canal will not be built.

Speaking at a media briefing in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Shah expressed concerns over the lack of approval for the canal and criticized political parties for protesting against the PPP instead of opposing the canal’s construction. Accompanied by provincial ministers Saeed Ghani and Nasir Shah, he assured that the PPP is committed to safeguarding Sindh’s interests.

Shah highlighted that in July, only preliminary profiling for the canal was conducted, disputing claims that construction had begun. He called out certain news channels for spreading misinformation and urged them to report responsibly.

The Chief Minister underscored the constitutional requirement for provincial consultation on water-related matters. He noted that despite multiple requests, the federal government had not convened a Council of Common Interests meeting to discuss the canal project.

The Indus River System Authority’s approval of Punjab’s request for 0.8 million acre-feet of water for the project has sparked opposition in Sindh. Shah argued that Sindh’s water resources could be depleted, exacerbating shortages in its agricultural regions.

Shah warned that if the canal project proceeds without Sindh’s consent, the PPP may withdraw its support from the federal government. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to announce the project’s termination, stressing the importance of maintaining provincial harmony.

On agricultural matters, Shah mentioned that the government would not set wheat prices this year, allowing market dynamics to prevail. He assured that a scheme is being developed to ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.

Chief Minister Shah reaffirmed Sindh’s stance against the Marot Canal, citing constitutional provisions, the need for provincial consultation, and the potential political consequences of proceeding without consensus.