Sindh lawyers end protest after canals project halted

A wave of relief swept through Sindh on Tuesday as lawyers officially ended their ongoing protests, following the Council of Common Interests (CCI) decision to withdraw the controversial new canals project from the Indus River.

The project will now remain on hold until all provinces reach a mutual agreement. The Sindh government also agreed to set up a committee to address the concerns raised by the lawyers, especially about corporate farming. This move fulfilled one of the main demands of the protest. With the committee formed and further talks promised, the lawyers ended their sit-in at Babarloi Bypass.

Following the end of the protest, the blocked roads have now reopened and traffic has returned to normal. This news has brought relief to transporters and traders who suffered losses during the blockade. Malik Shahzad Awan, President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, thanked the Sindh government and hoped it would provide compensation to those affected.

The CCI’s decision to pause the canal project is being called a major step towards cooperative federalism. A national-level committee is also being formed, including members from all provinces, to work on long-term plans for agriculture and water management.

Legal experts and civil society members welcomed the decision. Barrister Sarfaraz Metlo, chairman of the Sindh High Court Bar Association and a committee member, praised the unity shown by various organizations and stakeholders. The successful talks between the Sindh government and the lawyers are seen as a positive way forward to protect provincial rights and ensure fair resource sharing.

The resolution shows the importance of dialogue in solving national issues and maintaining harmony between all federating units.