Pakistani comedian and mimicry artist Syed Shafaat Ali has drawn criticism after sharing his views on the controversial construction of canals on the Indus River. Ali, in a Facebook post, wrote:
"Canals on the Indus are essential for agriculture in the mid and lower riparian regions, but without mega reservoirs in the upper basin, they’re pipelines without a water tower. Without proper storage, these canals won’t fuel growth, they’ll drain resources."
His remarks were perceived by many, particularly in Sindh, as tacit support for the controversial project. Social media users, including activists and members of Sindhi nationalist groups, flooded his post with criticism, urging him to refrain from commenting on technical matters like riparian rights, water distribution policies, and water accords. The post also sparked the trend #NoMoreCanals on social media.
Protests Continue Against Indus Canal Scheme
Meanwhile, protests against the Federal Government’s six-canal construction plan continue across Sindh. In Jati town, Sujawal district, journalists, students, political activists, growers, and trade union members staged a demonstration, demanding the project’s cancellation.
Holding banners and placards, protesters marched through the town’s streets, accusing the Federal Government, Punjab Government, and Indus River System Authority (IRSA) of conspiring against Sindh’s water rights.
Senior journalist Haji Zahid Ishaque Sommro warned that Sindh’s coastline was drying up, affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies. Veteran journalist Nawaz Sheikh cautioned that Sindh’s worsening water crisis could lead to severe humanitarian consequences. He also criticised Sindh’s ruling party for not taking a firm stand on the issue.
Journalist Umer Khaskeli argued that the government should have assessed the intensity of water scarcity in Sindh’s coastal areas before initiating the project, which, he claimed, had no legal backing.
Additionally, cricketers at the Syed Aijaz Shah Ramzan Night Cricket Tournament stopped their match midway to protest against the canal project, chanting slogans against the Federal Government.
Water Experts Warn of an Acute Crisis
Prominent water experts, including Naseer Memon, Obhayo Khan Khushik, and Idrees Rajput, have warned of a severe water crisis if the Federal Government continues with the canal construction. They predict a drought-like situation in Sindh’s coastal regions due to drastic drops in water levels at major barrages.
Local Sindhi TV channel Sindh TV reported that despite strong resistance from Sindh, construction work is ongoing in the Cholistan region without any hurdles.
As protests continue, the canal project remains a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over water rights and federal-provincial tensions in Pakistan.