KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah returned to Karachi yesterday to a jubilant welcome, declaring the cancellation of the controversial Cholistan Canal project a "landmark victory" for the constitution, the will of the people, and the unity of the federation.

Speaking to supporters at the Old Terminal after the Council of Common Interests (CCI) formally rejected the project, Shah said the decision had vindicated Sindh's stance and restored faith in democratic processes.

Shah said the project had been improperly approved during the caretaker government without provincial consensus and was now scrapped through legal and constitutional channels. "We fought this in the CCI and presented facts. It is a win not just for Sindh, but for the federation," he said.

The chief minister credited Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for his unwavering support and leadership throughout the campaign, saying the party stood its ground under immense pressure. He praised the prime minister for urgently convening the April 28 CCI meeting and making what he called a fair and timely decision. "I thank Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif for acting swiftly.

The role of all provincial chief ministers and CCI members was vital in upholding the spirit of unity and justice," Shah said. The CCI formally canceled the IRSA certification and ECNEC's conditional approval issued earlier this year for the Cholistan Canal, both granted under the caretaker setup. Shah pointed out that Sindh had immediately challenged the IRSA certification upon assuming office in June 2024.

He dismissed allegations against President Asif Ali Zardari, saying no such mega project bears a president's or prime minister's personal signature. "These approvals come from constitutional forums like the CCI and ECNEC. Those who targeted the president spread misinformation," Shah remarked. The PPP-led government had mobilized public support through large rallies in Garhi Khuda Bux, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, where Bilawal Bhutto Zardari made clear the party's opposition to canal projects without national consensus.

Shah recounted that Bilawal urged the prime minister to reject the project outright, which eventually led to the April 24 communique confirming the federal government's decision to drop the canal. Shah said the April 28 CCI meeting reiterated a crucial principle: no new water infrastructure would be developed without agreement among all provinces, and the 1991 Water Accord would be implemented in letter and spirit.

He emphasized that the IRSA certification was based on flawed data and had to be revoked, noting that any temporary ECNEC approval was voided by that decision. He also shared that he met President Zardari a day before the CCI meeting and requested his help to ensure it was held earlier.

"The president spoke to the prime minister, and the meeting happened," Shah said, calling it a collective success achieved through legal avenues, public support, and political resolve. Shah praised Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's resolve under pressure, saying, "He gave me clear instructions: either secure our rights in the CCI or walk out." He said this clarity helped the government present a strong, unified case.

He also urged an end to protests, saying the official notification had been issued and the people's demand met. Addressing those who continued sit-ins, including one at Babar Loi, Shah said he honored their sacrifices and urged them to stand by their word now that the project had been scrapped.

"They said they would end their protest when the notification came. It's here-let's move forward."

Calling the cancellation a victory for all Pakistanis, Shah concluded by pledging to continue defending Sindh's rights through democratic means. "We are the custodians of provincial rights. And this time, justice prevailed."

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 30 2025

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