Canal Protest Enters 11th Day as Sit-Ins Disrupt Traffic Across Sindh

The ongoing protests in Sindh against the proposed canal projects on the Indus River have entered their 11th day, with sit-ins and road blockages continuing to disrupt traffic across the province. The movement, primarily led by lawyers, nationalist organizations, and civil society groups, has gained significant momentum, drawing attention to concerns over water distribution and environmental impacts.​

Background of the Protests

The federal government’s plan to construct six new canals on the Indus River has faced strong opposition from various quarters in Sindh. Protesters argue that the canal projects threaten the province’s water resources, fertile lands, and the Indus Delta’s ecosystem, potentially turning the region into a desert. They also claim the projects violate the 1991 Water Accord, which allocates water shares among Pakistan’s provinces.​Wikipedia

The sit-in at Babarloi Bypass near Sukkur, which began on April 18, 2025, has been a focal point of the protests. Organized by the Sindh Bar Association, Karachi Bar Association, and other groups, the demonstration has led to significant disruptions, including blocking the National Highway and halting traffic between Sindh and Punjab. The protest escalated with a province-wide shutter-down strike on April 20, affecting cities like Hyderabad, Nawabshah, and Larkana. Lawyers announced an indefinite boycott of court proceedings across Sindh, with the Karachi Bar Association and others extending sit-ins to Kamo Shaheed, Kashmore, and Karachi. On April 20, unknown assailants fired on sleeping protesters, injuring three, but no casualties were reported in a separate incident. The protesters demanded the project’s cancellation within a 72-hour ultimatum, threatening to block railway tracks if unmet.​Wikipedia

Widespread Disruptions

The protests have led to significant traffic disruptions across Sindh. Key highways, including the National Highway, have been blocked, causing long queues of vehicles and halting transportation between Sindh and other provinces. The blockages have also affected agricultural exports, with 250 containers of potatoes stuck due to road blockages. The disruptions have had a ripple effect on daily life, with commuters facing difficulties and businesses experiencing delays.​

Political Reactions

The protests have garnered support from various political leaders and parties. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have publicly opposed the canal projects, with Shah stating that no new canals would be built under PPP’s watch. The federal government has stated that the issue will be discussed in the upcoming Council of Common Interests (CCI) meeting on May 2, but protesters remain firm in their demand for the project’s cancellation.​Wikipedia

Ongoing Situation

As the protests enter their 11th day, the situation remains tense but largely peaceful. The protesters continue to maintain their sit-in at Babarloi Bypass, blocking the National Highway. Support for the protest has grown, with more participants joining from various parts of Sindh. The federal government has yet to make a concrete decision regarding the canal projects, and the protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met.​

Conclusion

The ongoing protests in Sindh highlight the deep concerns over water distribution and environmental sustainability. While the federal government plans to discuss the issue in the upcoming CCI meeting, the protesters remain steadfast in their opposition to the canal projects. The situation underscores the need for dialogue and consensus among Pakistan’s provinces to address the challenges related to water resources and ensure equitable distribution for all.​