Bilawal Bhutto Threatens to Quit Government Over Controversial Canal Project
HYDERABAD – Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that his party may leave the coalition government if the federal plan to build new canals on the Indus River is not scrapped.
PPP Draws Red Line on Sindh’s Water Rights
Speaking at a large rally in Hyderabad, Bilawal said the federal government must respect Sindh’s objections. He warned that PPP would not support any project that threatens the province’s water supply.
“We don’t care about ministries. We want respect. You must listen to the people,” he told the crowd.
He accused the Shehbaz Sharif-led government of adopting “anti-farmer” policies, including:
- Blocking provinces from buying wheat directly
- Denying farmers fair support prices
- Imposing heavy taxes on agriculture during a time of rising costs
Bilawal claimed that those pushing the canal project owe their political strength to the PPP and must now honor the party’s stance.
Standing Firm Against Pressure
Bilawal made it clear the PPP will not back down.
“We’ve faced dictators before for our principles. We’ll face whatever comes now,” he said.
He rejected attempts to intimidate party leaders, referring to a NAB case against Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro.
“Threats don’t scare jiyalas,” Bilawal said defiantly.
Canal Project Threatens National Unity, Bilawal Warns
Bilawal warned that forcing the project through could deepen divisions within the federation, especially at a time when:
- Balochistan and KP are facing insurgencies
- Pakistan is already under international scrutiny
- Terrorist attacks are rising across the country
“This is a threat to national unity,” he said. “We are ready for dialogue, but not at the cost of our principles.”
He added that his mother, Benazir Bhutto, had opposed similar water projects like the Kalabagh Dam to protect Sindh’s rights.
Farhatullah Babar Calls for Emergency Action
Meanwhile in Islamabad, senior PPP leader Farhatullah Babar said the canal construction is part of a larger corporate farming initiative in Punjab. He said this was being done without clarifying where the water would come from.
He demanded:
- A National Drought Emergency be declared
- The issue be discussed in the Council of Common Interest (CCI)
- Full transparency on water resource allocation
Babar said the move represents elite capture of resources and risks further marginalizing provinces like Sindh.
