CM Sindh Murad Ali Shah Vows to Stop Canal Project, Warns of Protests If Plan Moves Forward

Karachi:Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah** has firmly declared that if the controversial canal project moves forward, the people of Sindh will take to the streets in protest. In a press conference, **Murad Ali Shah** reiterated that no project that goes against the interests of the people of Sindh will be allowed to pass, expressing his strong commitment to stopping the canal initiative.

He stated, “Sindh is a province that includes everyone, from every religion, ethnicity, and community. We cannot allow any project that goes against our people’s interests to move forward.” Addressing the contentious canal project, the CM emphasized that although others may have proposed the plan, the Sindh government has made it clear that it will not be approved.

**Murad Ali Shah** pointed out that minimal work had been done on the canal project, with work only having begun in July. “If this project slips out of our hands, we will protest,” he warned. He stressed that although he has no doubts about the intentions of the federal government, he and his administration will not be passive in the face of decisions that threaten Sindh’s resources.

The CM further emphasized the unity and collective purpose in opposition to the canal project, calling it crucial for the betterment of the country. “This is a collective goal, and we need to stop the canal project for the future of our nation,” he said.

**Murad Ali Shah** also lauded the efforts of the legal community, acknowledging that the **lawyers’ community** had been instrumental in the fight for democracy and were now supporting their efforts against the canal project. “We are with them in this struggle,” he affirmed.

Regarding protests, the CM clarified that the Sindh government would not take any action against peaceful demonstrators. He expressed his support for opposition parties and nationalist groups participating in the protests, but urged them not to cause inconvenience to the public by blocking roads. “I assure you that these canals will not be built,” he stated with confidence.

The Chief Minister also questioned why the **federal government** had not yet canceled the project, despite requests to do so. He mentioned that on **April 19**, a letter was sent by the **Finance Minister** requesting that Sindh propose its representative for the **National Finance Commission (NFC)**. However, **Murad Ali Shah** pointed out that it had taken the federal government 14 months to request NFC representatives.

Additionally, the CM expressed concern about the agricultural challenges facing farmers, mentioning that **farmers in Punjab** were considering not planting wheat next year due to rising challenges. He highlighted the need for technology adoption to improve crop yields, citing that in **China**, wheat production per acre stands at 60-65 quintals. He also pointed out that despite efforts, **Sindh’s cotton production** had not increased, while discussions about desert reclamation were ongoing.

He criticized the notion of constructing new canals without additional water sources, questioning the logic behind such plans. “Check the results of canals in **India**,” he said. “There is no extra water available for new canals.”

**Murad Ali Shah** expressed his hope that **Prime Minister Imran Khan** would respect Sindh’s concerns and make a just decision, recalling that during British rule, canal projects detrimental to the lower regions were rejected in favor of the upper regions. He concluded by expressing confidence that the **Prime Minister** would make a decision based on justice and fairness.