A high-level delegation of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), led by senior leader and former MNA Maulana Asadullah Bhutto, called on former Sindh Chief Minister and GDA leader Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim at his residence in Karachi.
According to a JI statement today, the delegation extended an invitation to Dr Rahim to attend the JI Water Conference scheduled to be held on Sunday, January 26, in Hyderabad. The conference aims to address the pressing issue of Sindh’s water resources and the construction of six controversial canals on the Indus River.
Dr Rahim, while expressing his support for the conference, praised the Jamaat-e-Islami for taking a stand on Sindh’s critical water issue. He stated, “If the people of Sindh rise to protect their land and resources, no one will dare to encroach on them. The Pakistan Peoples Party’s dual policies have caused immense harm to Sindh. Had the PPP opposed this plan, the controversial canal project would never have been initiated.” He further criticized the PPP, accusing it of turning a blind eye to the province’s suffering.
During the meeting, Bhutto underscored the significance of the Indus River, describing it as the lifeline of Sindh’s 70 million people. He declared that any attempt to construct canals on the river would not be tolerated. He called on the PPP to abandon its “double standards” and withdraw from the federal government if it truly cares about Sindh’s interests.
The Jamaat-e-Islami delegation also shed light on their broader campaigns, including efforts to combat lawlessness in Upper Sindh. The party has announced peaceful protests in front of SSP offices in 10 districts on January 28 to address what it calls a “rule of bandits” in the region.
Bhutto reiterated the party’s commitment to a peaceful and democratic struggle against injustices, including land encroachments and exploitation of Sindh’s resources. He said, “The mineral resources of Sindh, such as oil, coal, and gas, belong first and foremost to its people. With a severe water shortage already crippling districts like Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal, any plan to divert Indus water is unacceptable.”
The Water Conference in Hyderabad is expected to bring together political, religious, and social organizations, along with civil society representatives, to formulate a united front against water-related injustices. Jamaat-e-Islami vowed to ensure that no one is allowed to encroach on Sindh’s water rights.
The delegation included JI Sindh Deputy General Secretary Maulana Abdul Qudoos Ahmadani and Information Secretary Mujahed Channa.