Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has convened a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) today, as requested by the Sindh government, according to Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon.
The meeting, originally scheduled for May 2, has been moved forward following the Sindh government’s urgent request.
In a statement, Memon confirmed that the meeting, to be chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz, is set to take place this evening in Islamabad.
He further disclosed that the critical issue of canal projects will be discussed, with a decision expected to be reached today.
Speaking on Geo News’ program “Geo Pakistan,” Memon highlighted the severe impact of ongoing protests in Sindh, which have caused significant traffic disruptions and affected trade across the province.
“The transport of goods has been halted, harming both businesses and farmers, as goods could not be transported to other provinces,” he stated.
Despite several organizations indicating they would not call off their protests until a decision was made at the CCI meeting, Memon expressed gratitude to the federal government for considering their appeal and expediting the meeting.
He added that the government believes in dialogue and hopes that the protests will conclude once the CCI meeting reaches a resolution.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, along with other officials, will represent the province at today’s CCI meeting.
Canal Issue, Protests
The Cholistan Canals issue has emerged as a significant point of contention between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led Sindh government and the PM Shehbaz Sharif-led federal government in recent weeks.
The federal government plans to construct six canals on the Indus River to irrigate the Cholistan desert — a project vehemently opposed by its key ally, the PPP, and other Sindh nationalist parties.
According to government sources, the estimated cost of the Cholistan canal and system is Rs211.4 billion, and the project aims to utilize thousands of acres of barren land for agricultural purposes, bringing 400,000 acres under cultivation.
Almost all political and religious parties, nationalist groups, and civil society organizations, along with lawyers, are currently staging widespread rallies and sit-ins across Sindh against the controversial plan.
Last week, following strong opposition from the PPP, with CM Shah warning that they possessed the ability to topple the federal government if their concerns were not addressed, PM Shehbaz met with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and assured him that no new canals would be constructed without a consensus in the CCI.
Despite the premier’s assurances, the sit-in at Khairpur Baberlo bypass against the controversial canal project entered its 11th day on Monday, disrupting traffic between Sindh and Punjab, while the protest at Mangrio Pump near Daharki on the National Highway continued for its 9th consecutive day.
The ongoing blockade has severely impacted the transportation of essential goods, including petrol and food items, with trucks and trailers stranded. This has also caused increased difficulties for commuters and transporters.
Drivers of heavy containers stranded due to the protest have reported that their vehicle tires are deteriorating due to prolonged standing.
