Karachi, April 26 (H.S.):In Sindh province, Pakistan, intense protests against the federal government’s proposed canal network on the Indus River are escalating. Citizens from Karachi to rural areas are rising in rebellion, with unrest particularly pronounced in Karachi, along the Arabian Sea.
A sit-in by canal protesters has led to approximately 15,000 freight vehicles being stranded due to road blockades. Protesters express deep mistrust toward the federal government’s assurances, prompting their refusal to disperse. In response to the unrest, the federal government has decided to suspend the controversial canal project.
Transport Goods Association president Tariq Gujjar highlighted the significant disruption caused to the country’s supply chain, with more than 15,000 vehicles trapped in the Sukkur-Larkana Division and Bahawalpur. Participation from lawyers has amplified the situation.
The protesters await a May 2 official notification regarding the project’s suspension, following the federal government’s declaration to halt the initiative until a consensus is reached in the upcoming Council of Common Interests meeting.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has urged protesters to unblock highways to allow goods movement. Conversely, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Javed Bilwani warned of a staggering 500 billion rupees (approximately $1.8 billion) loss in export orders and local production over the past weeks.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
