Pakistan TehreekeInsaf (PTI) Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh on Tuesday endorsed the federal government’s decision to retract the contentious canal projects proposed on the River Indus, calling it a ‘victory for the collective consciousness of the people of Sindh.’
In a video statement, Haleem highlighted the unity, awareness, and peaceful resistance demonstrated by the people of Sindh, which he claimed compelled federal authorities to abandon the projects. He applauded the struggle as a testament to the strength and resolve of Sindh”s populace.
Sheikh accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), specifically its cochairman Asif Ali Zardari, of plotting to appropriate Sindh’s water through covert means. He described the attempt as a coordinated effort to exploit Sindh”s resources, commending the legal community for their significant role in counteracting these plans.
Acknowledging Karachi Bar Association President Amir Nawaz Warraich, Sheikh attributed the success of the Babarlui sitin to Warraich”s leadership, which unified voices across the province. He noted that the “Save River Indus” campaign evolved into a widespread movement, with political, civil society groups, and lawyers rallying against what he described as an infringement on Sindh’s water rights.
Haleem criticized joint press conferences by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari, dismissing them as ineffective in addressing the real issues. He questioned the necessity of involving the Council of Common Interests (CCI) if the matter was resolved.
The PTI leader further accused the PPP of exploiting Sindh’s resources for 17 years, depriving the populace of essential services. He alleged that water designated for impoverished farmers was being misappropriated by the PPP”s elite, leaving tailend farmers without their rightful share.
He expressed serious concerns about the ongoing water crisis and questioned the equitable distribution of Indus water to Sindh’s farmers and urban residents. He condemned the Sindh rulers as corrupt, accusing them of selling water meant for farmers.
Reiterating his party’s commitment, Haleem declared that their efforts would persist until justice is secured. He pledged to mobilize public demonstrations if necessary, to protect Sindh’s water rights, and to travel across the province to sustain the campaign for public awareness.