Demonstration in Front of Pakistan High Commission, London – Serious Allegations Against the Government
London: (www.thenewslark.com) On the occasion of the International Day of Action for Rivers, the World Sindhi Congress (WSC) staged a massive protest in front of the Pakistan High Commission in London against the unconstitutional construction of six new canals on the Indus River by the federal and Punjab governments of Pakistan. The demonstration was attended by nationalist leaders, human rights activists, intellectuals, and political workers.
During the protest, several prominent figures addressed the gathering, including Dr. Lakhu Lohana, Dr. Hidayat Bhutto, Aimen Zounr (student leader), Abdul Razzaq Buriro (Sindh United Party UK representative), Sohail Abro (Sindh Freedom Movement), Kamran Jatoi (lawyer), Fahmida Khushik, Dr. Khadija Mahar, Habibullah Baloch (Baloch National Movement), Abdul Rauf Leghari, Hafeezan Wadhio, Fahmida Baloch, and others. The speakers strongly condemned the ongoing conspiracies against the Indus River and raised slogans against the federal and Punjab governments.
”We Will Fight to the Last Breath Against the Plundering of Sindh’s Resources”
WSC leaders emphasised that the Punjab government is not only constructing new canals on the Indus River but also preparing to seize Sindh’s agricultural lands under the guise of “Green Corporate Farming.” They made it clear that any unlawful occupation of Sindh’s resources would not be tolerated.
“Punjab’s Water Theft is Drying Up Sindh”
The speakers warned that the construction of additional canals on the Indus River would lead to droughts and famines in Sindh, forcing millions into starvation. They also cautioned that this water crisis could escalate tensions between provinces, posing a severe threat to national stability.
“Destruction of Indus River Puts Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin at Great Risk”
The protest leaders highlighted that blocking the Indus River’s flow would devastate the Indus Delta, which is already being consumed by seawater. They warned that if the construction of these six canals is completed, Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and the entire coastal belt of Sindh would face catastrophic consequences.
“People’s Party is Collaborating with the Establishment in This Conspiracy”
WSC leaders accused the Sindh government, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), and President Asif Ali Zardari of being complicit in the construction of these canals in alliance with the military establishment. They alleged that “President Zardari himself approved these canals, and now, as public outrage grows in Sindh, the PPP is pretending to oppose them.”
Criticizing PPP’s hypocrisy, the leaders challenged the party, saying:
“If the PPP truly opposes these canals, it must resign from the presidency, provincial governments, and the Senate, withdraw from its alliance with PML-N in the federal government, and stand with the people of Sindh in protest.”
“The Struggle Will Continue Until the Complete Protection of the Indus River”
The WSC’s protest movement is gaining momentum globally. On the same day, protests were also held in Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago (USA), as well as in Toronto (Canada), demanding the protection of the Indus River.
During the demonstration, WSC condemned police brutality and arrests of protesters in Sindh and paid tribute to the sacrifices of journalists, lawyers, students, and nationalist activists fighting for Sindh’s rights.
At the conclusion of the protest, WSC submitted a memorandum to the Pakistan High Commission in London, demanding an immediate end to injustices against the Indus River.
The World Sindhi Congress has made it clear that this movement will not be limited to protests alone. Instead, it will continue its struggle on all fronts to ensure the complete protection of the Indus River.
