A wave of relief washed over Sindh on Tuesday as lawyers officially concluded their ongoing protests, following the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision to withdraw the contentious new canals project from the Indus River.
This decision marks a significant triumph for the province, which had witnessed widespread demonstrations fueled by concerns regarding the project’s potential environmental and socio-economic repercussions.
The protests, spearheaded by the All Sindh Lawyers Action Committee, had involved hundreds of lawyers and activists staging sit-ins across various cities, demanding a halt to the proposed project.
The withdrawal of the project was celebrated as a major victory, particularly by those at the Baberlo Bypass protest site in Khairpur, where the sit-in had entered its 12th day. The protesters hailed the development as a testament to Sindh’s unity and resilience.
The announcement of the protests’ end was made by the All Sindh Lawyers Action Committee, which confirmed that all sit-ins would be called off, with the exception of the one at Baberlo Bypass. The committee clarified that while the majority of protests and court strikes would cease by April 30, the Baberlo sit-in would persist until several other demands, including the cancellation of corporate farming projects, were addressed.
Amir Nawaz Warraich, Sarfraz Maitlo, Rehman Korai, and others stated that discussions with the Sindh government would take place in Sukkur in the coming days to advance the remaining demands.
These demands include the abolition of corporate farming, the withdrawal of legal cases filed against protesting lawyers, and the return of confiscated vehicles. The committee made it clear that while the withdrawal of the canals project was a positive development, the struggle would continue on other fronts.
All Sindh Action Committee Lawyers leaders Aamir Nawaz Waraich, Sarfaraz Maitlo, Rehman Korai, and others held a joint press conference and announced the end of the sit-in at Baberloi bypass Khairpur, which had lasted for 12 days.
Aamir Nawaz Waraich stated that the federal government had conceded to the canal demand and terminated the project, but the demand for the cessation of corporate farming was still pending. He mentioned that core committee members met with Zia Lanjar, and discussions regarding corporate farming and the leasing of 14,000 acres of land took place. Zia Lanjar reportedly stated that the land had not yet been allocated, and relevant documents would be provided for the negotiating committee to review and make further decisions. Waraich noted that the Sindh government committee had given a positive response. He also asserted that they were not afraid of India’s threats and would fiercely defend the country’s interests.
Sarfaraz Maitlo stated in a press conference that they would not allow Sindh’s land to be given to anyone and that Sindh’s land should be allocated to poor farmers, with farmers owning less than 25 acres given land on lease. He emphasized that whenever Sindh’s interests were at stake, they would prioritize them above all else. He also directed a message to Modi to reconsider his approach.
