Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah returned to Karachi on Tuesday after successfully presenting and securing Sindh’s stance at the meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) in Islamabad, according to a statement by the Chief Minister’s spokesperson.
Upon his arrival at the old terminal of Karachi airport, Shah received a warm welcome from provincial ministers, members of the National and Provincial Assemblies, party leaders, and a large number of workers. The gathering resonated with slogans of ‘Jiay Bhutto’ and ‘Jiay Bilawal,’ marking the celebrations over the development.
The Chief Minister was lauded for his firm advocacy of Sindh’s rights, particularly for maintaining a clear position against the controversial canal project. The spokesperson noted that the people of Sindh paid tribute to Murad Ali Shah for protecting their interests at the national forum.
Speaking to a large gathering at the old terminal, Shah attributed the success to divine support, the guidance of Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari, and the collective strength of the PPP and the people. He congratulated the people of Sindh and Pakistan, declaring that no canal project would proceed without mutual consent in the future.
The Chief Minister remarked that certain elements aimed to sow discord among provinces and mislead the public. He highlighted that the Sindh government had maintained a firm and clear stance on the disputed canal projects from the outset, ensuring that the matter was effectively countered at the national level.
Shah further explained that during the CCI meeting, the caretaker government’s issued certificate related to IRSA was revoked, and the earlier decision made by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) was also overturned. He stressed that the PPP had successfully nullified the caretaker government’s controversial decision.
Reflecting on the broader political dynamics, Shah criticized those who once supported the Kalabagh Dam project and who had now turned to criticize the PPP. He emphasized that the party had consistently opposed the contentious project since the beginning.
The Chief Minister credited Chairman Bilawal BhuttoZardari’s meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as instrumental in resolving the issue. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for endorsing Sindh’s rightful position at the CCI, and also thanked the Chief Ministers of the other three provinces for their support.
Concluding his address, Shah extended his appreciation to the people of Sindh for their unwavering trust and confidence in the provincial leadership.