Shehbaz, Murad set to discuss Indus Canal tensions

In a move to ease growing tensions between Punjab and Sindh over the controversial Indus River canal projects, a high-level meeting is being arranged between Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah.

According to official sources, Sindh’s delegation, including Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro and top irrigation officials has arrived in Islamabad to meet with federal authorities. The session is expected to take place after the Prime Minister returns from his official visit to Turkey.

Protests have erupted across various cities in Sindh over the proposed removal of canals from the Indus River, prompting calls for federal intervention. The planned meeting aims to address Sindh’s concerns and potentially bring an end to the ongoing sit-ins, including a major one that has disrupted traffic on the Sukkur-Bablu Bypass.

In a sign of de-escalation, senior leaders from the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have already initiated backchannel negotiations with Sindh officials. A resolution is being prioritized to restore calm and prevent further political fallout.

Sources within the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) confirmed that contact between federal representatives and Sindh’s leadership has been established, and the meeting could take place as early as tomorrow or Friday.

The federal government has expressed hope that dialogue will lead to a mutual understanding and a peaceful resolution of the canal dispute.

On the other hand, Punjab Information Minister Uzma Bukhari has said on Wednesday that floodwater will be used in the canals project, and Sindh cannot dictate to us on this.

Talking to the media in Lahore, Uzma Bukhari said, Why doesn’t the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) care about the farmers of Sindh? The PPP has been in power in Sindh for 16 years; it should pay attention to its performance. If the PPP uses false statements, it will have to answer.

She said that no canal construction has begun yet, but that is not to say that no canals will be built if there is no consensus. Negotiations do not take place through threats.

It should be noted that protests are ongoing in various cities of Sindh against the removal of 6 canals from the Indus River, while the sit-in organized by lawyers on the Sukkur-Bablu Bypass is still ongoing, due to which traffic between Sindh and Punjab is suspended.