On Sunday, April 27, 2025, lawyers and nationalist groups intensified their sit-in protest on the Thatta-Karachi National Highway near Gulshan-e-Hadeed, opposing the federal government’s contentious six-canals project on the Indus River.
The demonstration, led by the Malir Bar Association, turned chaotic after police used baton charges and arrested 10 protesters, including lawyers, prompting stone-pelting and attacks on a police van.
Malir Bar Association President Irshad Shar confirmed the arrests, including that of MMC member Ajmal Arain. Protesters overpowered police, dismantled a water cannon, and blocked the highway, vowing to continue until the canals project is cancelled.
کراجی لنک روڈ پر دھرنا مظاہرین کی بڑی تعداد دوبارہ پہنج گئی۔مظاہرین اور پولیس میں تصادم۔ پولیس نے صبح مظاہرین کے ٹینٹ اکھاڑ دئیے تھے۔ pic.twitter.com/ZF5LJ3j7NX
— Muhammad Umair (@MohUmair87) April 27, 2025In a related incident, Moro police in Khairpur attempted to disperse a similar sit-in with baton charges but failed to clear the National Highway, where protesters reaffirmed their resolve.
The protests are part of a broader movement. The Karachi Bar Association is leading a major sit-in at Babarloi Bypass in Khairpur, which is entering its 10th day.
On the instructions of Chairman @BBhuttoZardari, Pakistan Peoples Party protest in all over the sindh today on Indus River Canals, District Central Karachi Protest. #NoMoreCanalsOnIndus pic.twitter.com/N3TatYnA2n
— PPP Digital Sindh (@PPPDigitalSindh) March 25, 2025The $3.3 billion Green Pakistan Initiative, aimed at irrigating 1.2 million acres in south Punjab, has sparked outrage in Sindh. Critics argue it threatens water security and agriculture. The federal government has offered dialogue, but protesters demand a formal cancellation.
