GDA Appeals Karachiites
GDA Appeals Karachiites: Unite Against New Canal Projects and PPP’s Alleged Policy Shifts
The GDA appeals Karachiites especially Pakistani Sindhis, to actively participate in a rally scheduled for April 6, 2025, at 4:00 PM outside the Karachi Press Club. This demonstration aims to oppose the proposed construction of six new canals on the Indus River and to address concerns regarding alleged policy inconsistencies by the Pakistan Peoples Party government.
Indus river valley facts
Indus River facts reveal its largest length, originating in Tibet, flowing through India and Pakistan, and emptying into the Arabian Sea. Its basin supports ancient civilizations and diverse ecosystems, highlighting its historical and ecological significance
- Indus River Length: 3,180 km (1,976 miles) – Asia’s longest rivers
- Indus River Source: Tibetan Plateau near Mount Kailash
- Indus River Mouth: Arabian Sea near Karachi Sindh
- Basin Countries: Pakistan (47%), India (39%), China (8%), Afghanistan (6%)
- Major Tributaries: Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, Sutlej
- Historical Importance: Lifeline of the Sindhi civilization (3300–1300 BCE)
- Modern Significance: Pakistan’s primary water source and life line for Sindhi
- Wildlife: Home to the Indus River dolphin (endangered species)
- Economic Role: Supports agriculture (Punjab & Sindh), fishing, and trade
- Challenges: Water disputes (Indus Waters Treaty), pollution, climate change, New Canals, Dams
A vital river shaping history, ecology, and economies Sindhi cities, agriculture and provides drinking water through Karachi Wah and Keenjhar Lake at Thatta near Karachi for millennia!
Background of the Canal Projects
The PPP-led federal government has initiated plans to construct six new canals intended to reduce and steal water from the Indus River to irrigate lands in Punjab, particularly targeting the Cholistan Desert area. These projects have raised alarms among Sindh’s political and social groups, who fear that diverting water could severely impact the province’s water resources and agricultural livelihoods.
GDA Appeals Karachiites and Call to Action
Sadruddin Shah Rashdi has been vocal in opposing these canal projects. At a recent Eid Milan gathering at the Functional League House in Karachi, Rashdi declared, “We will neither allow the construction of canals, nor will we tolerate the rule of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government.”
He emphasized that while the GDA supports development across all provinces, it cannot accept the prosperity of one province at the expense of rendering another barren.
Allegations Against PPP’s Policy Shifts
Rashdi has accused the PPP-led provincial government of Sindh of hypocrisy concerning the canal projects. He criticized the PPP leadership for allegedly approving the extraction of water from the Indus River for canal construction and then protesting against the project for political gain.
Rashdi questioned the logic of compromising Sindh’s water resources to develop desert areas, asking, “What kind of justice is it to ruin already inhabited areas to populate desert lands?
Specifically GDA Appeals Karachiites
Recognizing the significant demographic of Urdu-speaking Sindhis in Karachi, the GDA appeals directly to this community to join the April 6 rally. The alliance underscores that protecting the Indus resources is a collective responsibility that transcends ethnic and linguistic boundaries.
Karachi’s water supply is intricately linked to the health of this River which feeds Keenjhar and thus Karachiites otherwise a severe water crisis in Karachi occur owing to shortage in river water. Residents of Karachi and Sindh both grapple with severe water shortages due to internal challenges like the tanker mafia and feudal water theft.
However, external threats, such as unauthorized canal constructions on the Indus River, exacerbate these issues. Unity is essential to oppose these unjust practices and ensure equitable water distribution for all communities.
PPP’s Stance and Internal Disputes
The PPP, led by Chairman Bilawal Zardari, has publicly opposed the canal projects. Bilawal referred to the initiative as “unilateral” and expressed concerns that it would harm farmers in Punjab rather saying farmers of Sindh. He stated, “We rejected this project before, and we will continue to reject it.”
However, internal disagreements have surfaced within the PPP, particularly between the party’s leadership in Sindh and the federal government. CM Murad Ali has vowed to protect the province’s water rights, warning that proceeding with the canal projects without Sindh’s consent would lead to political repercussions.
Conclusion
GDA appeals Karachiites reflects deep-seated concerns over the proposed canal projects and their potential impact on Sindh’s waters assets and agricultural viability. The situation is further complicated by political disagreements within the PPP and between provincial and federal authorities.
As the April 6 rally approaches, Karachiites, especially those from the Urdu Sindhi community, are encouraged to participate and voice their concerns, ensuring that the protection of the Indus River remains a top priority.
