Shehbaz, Bilawal Prepare for Crucial Meeting Amid Canal Dispute

A significant meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is set to take place this evening (Thursday), amid escalating political tensions and widespread unrest in Sindh over the federal government’s controversial canal development plans.

Sources indicate that Bilawal will arrive in Islamabad today and meet with the prime minister later in the evening, accompanied by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. The PPP leaders are expected to express the deep concerns of Sindh’s residents regarding the construction of six new canals along the Indus River.

Insiders suggest that the meeting could lead to positive outcomes, particularly after weeks of protests and intense parliamentary debates surrounding the project.

The backdrop to this meeting involves significant political fallout and street demonstrations. On Tuesday, the Senate witnessed chaos as PPP lawmakers staged a walkout, while PTI senators clashed with both PML-N and PPP over competing resolutions on the canal project.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attempted to ease tensions by assuring that any decision would be made constitutionally and in consultation with the Sindh government. Additionally, Special Assistant to the PM on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah reached out to Sindh’s political leadership, assuring stakeholders that no decision would be “bulldozed” and suggesting the possibility of multi-party consultations.

Protests have intensified in cities like Sukkur, Nawabshah, and Daharki, disrupting transport and trade. Local parties and civil society have voiced strong opposition. CM Murad Ali Shah reiterated PPP’s firm stance, warning that while the party does not aim to topple the federal government, it holds the power to do so.

The Rs250 billion project is currently on hold, awaiting approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).

Last week, Bilawal warned that his party could exit the ruling coalition if the issue is not resolved to Sindh’s satisfaction.

The controversy dates back to February, when Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Green Pakistan Initiative in Cholistan, aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and providing farmers with better facilities. The initiative, however, sparked unrest across Sindh, leading the provincial assembly in March to pass a resolution unanimously opposing the construction of six new canals along the Indus River.

Meanwhile, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other nationalist parties have staged large rallies in several Sindh cities, including Karachi, to protest the project.

Source: Web Desk