JUI-F leader issues ‘fatwa’ against canals project

SUKKUR: A Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader has issued a “fatwa" (religious edict) signed by various religious scholars, against the construction of six canals on the Indus River, demanding an immediate halt to the project.

Speaking at a news conference at Sukkur Press Club, Soomro reiterated JUI-F’s long-standing opposition to water projects perceived as detrimental to Sindh, recalling the party’s opposition to Kalabagh Dam.

The fatwa was issued by scholars from religious institutions including Jamia Hamadia Manzil Gah Sukkur, Pano Aqil, Jamia Ashrafia Sukkur, and Jamia Darul Uloom.

The JUI-F has also announced a series of protests, with sit-ins planned at key locations such as the Sukkur Barrage, Guddu Barrage, Jamshoro Bridge, Amri Bridge, and Thatta-Sujawal Bridge on April 6, followed by district-level protests across Sindh starting April 9.

Soomro also criticised the government over the law and order situation in Sindh, highlighting the incidents of robberies, targeted killings, and insecurity, particularly for minorities in Sukkur and Larkana. He alleged that JUI-F leaders and scholars are being harassed for speaking out against these issues.