Govt Halts Controversial Indus Canals Project Amid Nationwide Protests
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- April 25, 2025
- 5:05 pm
- 53
- Current Affairs
The federal government has stopped work on the Indus Canals Project after a wave of protests swept across the country. Most of the opposition came from Sindh, where people feared the project would reduce their share of water.
Sindh’s caretaker irrigation minister, Jam Khan Shoro, confirmed the halt. He said the Sindh government had never approved the project. He also shared that public pressure forced the federal government to pause it.
The Indus Canals Project involved building new canals to take water from the Indus River. While the federal authorities presented it as a step toward better water management, Sindh saw it as a threat. Farmers, activists, and political leaders warned that the project could damage Sindh’s agriculture and daily water supply.
Large crowds gathered in cities like Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana. People carried banners and chanted slogans to protect their rights. Civil society groups organized sit-ins and marches. Their main demand was to cancel the project immediately.
The controversy grew when reports showed the project had started without consulting Sindh. Protesters said this violated the 1991 Water Accord. That accord divides river water among provinces and promises fair distribution.
Jam Khan Shoro said Sindh will never allow any move that endangers its water. He called the project illegal and said no development should go ahead without proper approvals.
The backlash was not limited to the streets. Social media saw a flood of posts, videos, and tweets. Hashtags like #SaveIndus and #NoToCanalsProject went viral. Influencers, journalists, and rights activists joined the call to protect Sindh’s water.
Under pressure, the federal government finally responded. Officials from the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) attended a meeting last week. They confirmed the Indus Canals Project has been stopped for now.
WAPDA also said they would hold new consultations. They promised to include all provinces in the decision-making process. Officials stated that no part of the country should feel left out or deprived.
While the project is paused, many people remain cautious. They fear the government might try to revive it later. Protesters said they will continue to monitor the situation and raise their voices if needed.
For now, the Indus Canals Project stands frozen. The people of Sindh remain united in their fight to protect their lifeline—the Indus River.
