Amir Warraich Ends Baberlo Sit-in with Honor on 12Th day, While Sanan Khan Retreats Before Victory in No More Canal on Indus
On 29th April, the Baberlo bypass in Sindh witnessed a defining moment in the history of the No More Canal on Indus. It was here that Amir Warraich, the President of the Karachi Bar Association, stood firm until the very end and formally concluded the protest after the government silently backed away from its controversial Cholistan Canal Project.
Amir Warraich proved himself the loyal son of Sindh by bravely leading the Baberlo sit-in, enduring threats and violence, and standing firm until the controversial canal project was rejected. His bravery courage, backed by the collective strength of Sindh’s legal fraternity, has written a new chapter in the ongoing struggle to protect Sindh’s water rights and Indus river delta
No more Canal Sit in at Baberlo
The protest was in response to the Green Pakistan Initiative, particularly the Cholistan Canal Project, under which six new canals were to be constructed—five of them on the Indus River, threatening the ecological balance and the already scarce water supply to Sindh.
The project, though celebrated by the Punjab government, was widely seen in Sindh as a move to rob the province of its rightful share of Indus water. The Sindh Assembly had already passed a unanimous resolution against the project, but the real strength came from the ground movement—from people, from lawyers, and from true sons of the soil like Warraich Amir.
Despite being violently attacked in Karachi by six assailants for his stance, Sindhi Amir Warraich refused to bow down. In his now-famous video message, a bloodied but resolute He declared: “They’ll have to shut them down. We will not abandon the six canals issue.” He announced a lawyers’ convention for April 12 and called for mass resistance.
His declaration to shut down the Sindh Punjab border at Baberlo if the canals weren’t canceled within 72 hours sent a strong message across the nation: Sindh was awake, and it would no longer tolerate exploitation. But not all leaders shared Amir Sindhi Warraich’s courage.
Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz leadership Retreats Mid-Protest
In a stunning turn of events, JSQM self-proclaimed leader Sanan Khan called for retreat even before the final victory was secured. In a video message, Sanan asked his workers and followers to leave the Baberlo protest and wait until May 2, claiming he was told to do so by Ali Hasan Zardari and Sharjeel Memon, both key figures tied to the Zardari dynasty.
Many activists and common Sindhis now view Sanan Khan’s move as a betrayal of the movement—likening him to Chanesar, a historical symbol of surrender and compromise. While Sanan Khan bowed before the political elite, Aamir Warraich led from the front.
His resolve never wavered, even after personal physical harm. He was not backed by any political party or feudal powerhouse, but by the collective conscience of Sindh’s legal community. Bar associations from Karachi to Larkana, Hyderabad to Sukkur, all stood united. Lawyers even blocked the Baberlo bypass, bringing traffic and attention to the heart of the protest.
The symbolism of the Baberlo sit in cannot be understated. It wasn’t just a gathering; it was Sindh’s cry for justice, an uprising of people who have long suffered from water scarcity, mismanagement, and interprovincial injustices. The people of Baberlo themselves played a heroic role, providing food, water, and shelter to the protestors.
Selfless Hospitality Crowned: Poor Man Receives Protest’s Taj
Among the countless unsung heroes of the No More Canal on Indus was a poor young Sindhi man who quietly sold his wife’s gold jewelry to bring breakfast for the protesters at Baberlo bypass. At first, no one knew of his sacrifice. But when his story came to light, it deeply moved the protest leaders. In a heartfelt tribute,
Amir Waraich placed the golden taj—a symbolic crown gifted to him by Sindhi leaders—on the young man’s head, honoring his unmatched love for Sindh. This powerful gesture immortalized the spirit of selflessness that fueled the protest..
Adding to the momentum was Rashid Mehmood Soomro, who took a firm public stance, echoing the voices of Sindh against the canal construction. His presence at Baberlo and calls for provincial unity gave a religious and political dimension to the movement. It was no longer just about canals—it became about identity, survival, and rights.
Despite the apparent political deals made behind closed doors, it was civil society, lawyers, and the people who carried the movement to its triumph. The announcement of the project’s halt was not officially celebrated by the government, but the silence itself was an acknowledgment of defeat. The strength of Sindh’s resistance was undeniable.
Through this resistance, Raja Dahir’s spirit was remembered—a historical figure who chose death over bowing to oppression. Amir Warraich’s actions invoked that same bravery. He could have retreated, filed an FIR for his assault, or made political compromises. Instead, he chose the harder path—standing firm, leading thousands, and ending the protest with honor, not defeat.
Today, the No More Canal on Indus stands as a landmark resistance movement in Sindh’s recent history. And at its heart stands Amir Warraich, a man who transformed from a lawyer into a symbol of Sindhi resilience.
While opportunists bowed to feudal whispers, Warraich listened to the cries of the land and people. His leadership, free from political theatrics, was rooted in justice and truth. He didn’t demand recognition, nor did he chase popularity—he simply did what needed to be done.
Bottom-line
Sindh will remember this victory. Sindh will remember who stood tall and who chose silence. In the annals of this struggle, Amir Warraich’s name will be written in bold, while the retreat of others will fade as whispers of betrayal.
The Baberlo Bypass sit-in, lasting 12 days, symbolized Sindh’s united resistance against the controversial canal project. Led by Karachi Bar President Aamir Warraich, who stood fearlessly despite threats and a violent attack, the protest became a beacon of Sindhi courage.
Warraich’s unwavering stance, alongside Sindh’s legal community, played a pivotal role in compelling the Council of Common Interests to reject the project—marking a historic victory for the province.