Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari took a firm stand Friday, rejecting the government’s canal project as a “unilateral” move threatening Punjab farmers.
While speaking at a PPP rally in Gardi Khuda Bux commemorating the anniversary of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s execution, he criticized the Cholistan irrigation scheme, which was launched on February 15 by Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz and Army Chief Gen Asim Munir in response to a strong backlash from Sindh.
Bilawal emphasized the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) long-standing struggle for equitable water rights. “Our workers have devoted their lives to fighting for fair water distribution,” he stated. “We have opposed every initiative, from Musharraf’s canal projects to the PTI’s plans.” He highlighted a report from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) that shows water shortages in Punjab, warning, “Taking water from Sindh will negatively impact farmers in South Punjab—this is a concern we have raised for years.”
Addressing the 46th martyrdom anniversary of SZAB, Chairman PPP @BBhuttoZardari vowed to stand by the people demanding to halt the controversial Canals on Indus river, calling upon PM Shehbaz Sharif to roll back the government's plans. #SalaamShaheedBhuttohttps://t.co/9Ndu7x8qGy
— Pakistan Peoples Party – PPP (@PPP_Org) April 4, 2025Sindh’s Stance and PPP’s Pushback
In March, the Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution against constructing six new canals on the Indus River. The resolution called for a halt to the projects until all provinces, particularly Sindh, could agree to protect their rights.
Read: Sharjeel Memon Vows to Block Indus River Canal Projects
Bilawal reiterated this stance, mentioning that he had first raised the issue in January at the Pakistan People’s Party’s central executive committee meeting. “We outright rejected the project document,” he stated. “It’s a unilateral decision that we cannot support—even the President agrees it jeopardizes the federation.”
The rally underscored PPP’s resolve. Bilawal’s critique frames the canal plan as threatening farmers and unity, amplifying a provincial standoff with big stakes.
