KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Saturday that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) could withdraw from the federal government if its concerns regarding new canal projects are not addressed.
Speaking to the media, Shah referred to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s message to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on April 4: “If this project is not cancelled, I will stand with my people and withdraw support for your government.”
Shah rejected claims that the PPP had supported the canal projects. He clarified that although feasibility studies were prepared in 2018, the projects did not move forward until 2023, which he attributed to the PPP’s opposition.
“All five rivers belong to all provinces, not just the Indus River,” Shah said. He added that President Asif Ali Zardari had also opposed the canal plans during a joint session of Parliament.
Shah said the PPP would not allow any project it believes would impact Sindh’s water share. He warned that the proposed canals could reduce water availability for Sindh, affecting agriculture and livelihoods.
Regarding the upcoming Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting, Shah said, “I alone am sufficient to defend Sindh’s case in the CCI.”
The dispute over the canal projects reflects ongoing tensions between the Sindh government and federal authorities over resource distribution.
