Bilawal calls for the rollback of the Indus canals project, warning of a growing rift in the federation, as PPP distances itself from the government and vows to resist the contentious water scheme
By Imtiaz Hussain
GARHI KHUDA BAKHSH: On the 46th martyrdom anniversary of Pakistan People’s Party founder and former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that ZA Bhutto’s resolve was to make Pakistan a role model for the world. Bilawal reflected on the injustice his grandfather faced, pointing out that 45 years later, the court acknowledged that Bhutto was denied a fair trial.
The PPP chairman stated that on this day, 46 years ago, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was unjustly executed in a fake case under the cover of darkness, with no regard for the principles of justice. Bilawal pointed out that the Supreme Court’s acknowledgment after 45 years served as a clear reminder that truth and justice ultimately prevail, while on March 23, 2025, President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, also his son-in-law, awarded ZA Bhutto with Nishan-e-Pakistan posthumously.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Bilawal strongly opposed the federal government’s proposed canals project on the Indus River, warning that it threatened the national unity and pledging that his party would stand with the people of Sindh — not the government — if the project would continue. He called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to immediately withdraw the plan, which proposes six canals to irrigate the Cholistan desert.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sahab, this is the demand of the people. If we are to stay united as brothers, the project must be withdrawn,” Bilawal said. “We are not part of the government because we are unhappy with these canals.” He accused the federal government of making unilateral decisions on water distribution, which he said are straining the federation. Bilawal reminded the public of the PPP’s legacy in protecting water rights, citing how his mother, late Benazir Bhutto, blocked a similar dam project during her time out of power.
“I was the first to raise my voice against these canals. Where were others then?” he asked, adding that the PPP rejected the project at its Central Executive Committee meeting and that President Asif Ali Zardari opposed it in a joint parliamentary session. President Zardari has also denounced the decision, calling it “unilateral” and “harmful to the federation.”
Bilawal cautioned that those seeking to divide the Indus River were attempting to divide the country itself. “They want to break the Indus River to divide us, but we will not let that happen,” he declared. He demanded that the government revisit water shortage data from the Indus River System Authority (IRSA), which shows water scarcity affecting both Sindh and Punjab. “Pakistan Khappy — yes, but not at the cost of injustice in water distribution,” he stated.
Bilawal also referenced the April 16 by-election in Umerkot and announced a major rally in Hyderabad on April 18 to campaign for fair water allocation. On other matters, Bilawal touched upon the Sindh government’s efforts in health, flood rehabilitation, and plans to build 2.1 million homes. He reiterated PPP’s commitment to reconciliation politics, but said on key issues like water and terrorism, the opposition must unite.
In a veiled swipe at opponents, he said, “Political orphans suffer from Zardari phobia — they see him in every conspiracy, even in their dreams.” He also condemned terrorism in Balochistan, attributing it to foreign involvement, and called for national unity to confront the threat. The canals controversy continues to test the fragile coalition government, with PPP drawing a red line on water rights while distancing itself from federal decision-making.
