ISLAMABAD:A nationwide conference organized by Awami Tahreek in Islamabad brought together active and pro-public politicians, intellectuals, technocrats, water experts, scholars, scientists, engineers, environmentalists, hydrologists, writers, journalists, and social activists from across Pakistan. The attendees unanimously rejected the construction of six new canals on the Indus River, the IRSA amendments, and corporate farming, labeling them as anti-state and anti-people projects.
The conference criticized the Shahbaz-Zardari government for pursuing policies detrimental to the country’s agriculture, environment, and local communities.
Notable speakers included Advocate Vasand Thari, Ms. Umrah Samo, Engineer Naseer Memon, Jami Chandio, Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, Dr. Farzana Bari, Dr. Hassan Abbas, Advocate Akhtar Hussain, Senator Jan Buledi, Khawaja Ghulam Farid, Senator Hidayatullah Khan, Rahab Khan Buledi, Imdad Qazi, Dr. Muhammad Azeem, Fazul Ullah Qureshi, Dad Qadir Ranto, Advocate Sajjid Mahesar, Noor Ahmed Katiyaar , Gulshan Laghari and others representing Awami Tahreek, Sindhiyani Tahreek, Pakistan Mazdoor Kisan Party, Awami National Party, Siraiki Democratic Party, Siraiki Quomi Ittehad, Awami Workers Party, National Party Balochistan, Awami Jamhoori Party, Bar Council Balochistan, and the Communist Party of Pakistan also voiced strong opposition to these controversial projects.
Conference further declared that The construction of six new canals and the promotion of corporate farming pose an existential threat to Sindh’s agriculture, environment, and livelihoods, endangering the fragile Indus delta and worsening food insecurity across Pakistan. Experts warn that these projects, coupled with amendments to the IRSA Act under the Bilawal-Shahbaz government, are enabling capitalist control over vital resources, displacing millions of small-scale farmers, and prioritizing elite interests at the expense of rural communities. This unchecked land grabbing and exploitation of water and natural resources threaten not only Sindh’s survival but also the country’s stability. The government must immediately halt these disastrous policies and prioritize sustainable, people-centered solutions—or risk facing an uprising against these acts of environmental and economic aggression.
The host, Advocate Wasand Thari, Central President of Awami Tahreek, emphasized their ongoing struggle against the destructive projects of the Shahbaz-Zardari government, marked by massive demonstrations across Sindh, including Karachi and Sukkur. Awami Tahreek, alongside Sindhiani Tehreek, is leading the resistance to safeguard Sindh’s resources and ensure equitable development. He called for unity and collective action, highlighting the strength of their shared voice to oppose exploitation and oppression. “Sindh is actively resisting this plunder,” he declared, urging all to organize and stand firm for the cause.
Home Press Release Canals on Indus and Corporate Farming unanimously rejected by technocrats in Nationwide...