Murad, Sharjeel, Faryal congratulate Bilawal on bringing canals project to a halt

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday congratulated PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on bringing the controversial canals project to a halt.

CM Shah said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has accepted the PPP's position in principle, and under the leadership of Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Sindh's position has won. He also welcomed the call for a meeting of the Council of Common Interests on May 2.

Shah said Sindh's case would be vigorously presented to the Council of Common Interests, and as long as the PPP existed, not a single drop of Sindh's water would be given to anyone.

An official announcement has been made on the canal issue, and the protest should end now, he said and added that the PPP adopted a democratic and constitutional approach, those who indulged in the “politics of chaos” failed.

Meanwhile, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also congratulated PPP leaders Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, the people of Sindh, and the federal government on the resolution of the canals issue, and welcomed the joint press conference held by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Bilawal.

He said today marks a historic development on the long-standing issue of canals. The decision to halt work on the canals and convene a CCI meeting on May 2 is a farsighted move and a symbol of national unity.

He said the stance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reflects a mature vision that will foster inter-provincial harmony across the country. Owing to the continuous efforts, principled position, and public pressure led by the PPP, the federation was compelled to decide that no work on any new canal would proceed without the consent of all stakeholders at the CCI level.

Memon said Bilawal has always advocated for solving problems through constitutional and federal institutions. Today, supporting his stance at the federal level is a victory not only for the farmers of Sindh but for the entire country. This water will irrigate the land, as well as feed our unity, democracy, and federation.

He said that, "I congratulate Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, Chief Minister Sindh, and the entire party leadership. Because of the relentless struggle, political strategy, and comprehension of public desires by the PPP, the issue of canals has been settled amicably."

Memon declared that the Sindh people protested for their water right, questioned, and took a democratic path. The patience, awareness, and solidarity demonstrated by the people of Sindh on the canals issue are a source of pride in our history.

He said that the CCI meeting to be held on May 2 will now be decisive, and the Sindh government will present its position in a comprehensive manner. He congratulated all the hardworking farmer brothers of Sindh and Punjab for this success, stating that they are the backbone of our country.

Memon further said that we welcome Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's decision to prioritize consensus and national unity. Once again, it has become clear that the PPP is the party that incorporates the voice of every class, every province, and every individual into its manifesto.

Senior PPP leader Faryal Talpur described the suspension of work on the canals and the call for a CCI meeting as a victory for national unity, constitutional supremacy, and the people of Sindh.

In a statement, she said that today marks a victory for Pakistan’s federal unity, the supremacy of the Constitution, and the rights of farmers. She stated that the principled leadership of Bilawal and the peaceful protest of the people of Sindh have demonstrated that when the stance is just and the intention sincere, the government is compelled to heed the voice of the people.

She said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s announcement to halt work on the new canals and the decision to convene a CCI meeting on May 2 is a prudent move. The PM’s position is a positive step toward strengthening democratic traditions, upholding provincial autonomy, and empowering constitutional institutions.

Faryal Talpur said fair and transparent distribution of resources among all citizens is essential for the strength of the federal structure. She reiterated that they have always maintained there would be no compromise on Sindh’s right to water, and, Alhamdulillah, their stance has been acknowledged today.

She said the PPP has consistently emphasized inter-provincial equality, equitable distribution of water, and decision-making within the constitutional framework. The PPP is a representative party of farmers, laborers, women, and marginalized communities, and it will always defend the rights of the people through constitutional means. She expressed her gratitude to all political forces, civil society, and the people who stood with the PPP on this important national issue.