A pivotal meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is anticipated to take place this evening (Thursday), amidst escalating political tensions and growing unrest across Sindh over the federal government’s controversial canal development plans.
According to sources, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will arrive in Islamabad today and is scheduled to meet with the prime minister later in the evening. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will accompany him.
The two PPP leaders are expected to convey the deep-seated concerns of the people of Sindh regarding the construction of six new canals along the Indus River.
Sources close to the development indicate that positive progress may emerge from the meeting, particularly after weeks of protests and heated parliamentary debates surrounding the project.
The backdrop to the meeting is marked by widespread political fallout and street demonstrations. On Tuesday, the Senate was thrown into disarray as PPP lawmakers staged a walkout while PTI senators clashed with both PML-N and PPP over competing resolutions on the canal project.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar attempted to defuse the situation by assuring that any decision would be made constitutionally and in consultation with the Sindh government.
Special Assistant to the PM on political affairs Rana Sanaullah was also tasked with initiating direct contact with Sindh’s political leadership. He assured stakeholders that nothing would be “bulldozed” and even suggested multi-party consultations.
The protests, which have spread to Sukkur, Nawabshah, and Daharki, continue to disrupt transport and trade, with local parties and civil society expressing strong resistance. CM Murad recently reiterated PPP’s firm stance, warning that while the party does not seek to topple the federal government, it possesses the power to do so.
He further revealed that the Rs250 billion project remains on hold, as it has yet to be approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec).
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari warned last week that his party could withdraw from the ruling coalition if the matter is not resolved to Sindh’s satisfaction.
In February of this year, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Green Pakistan Initiative in Cholistan, aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and providing farmers with agricultural facilities under one roof.
The project triggered a wave of unrest across Sindh, and the provincial assembly in March unanimously passed a resolution against the construction of six new canals on the Indus River.
Meanwhile, the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) and other nationalist parties took to the streets and staged massive rallies in various cities of the province, including Karachi.
