NAUSHAHRO FEROZE: Demonstrators protesting the controversial six-canal project on Tuesday stormed and set ablaze the residence of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar in Moro city. The protesters vandalized property, torched household items, and burned two trailers parked near the house.
The violent protest is rooted in opposition to the federal government’s proposed construction of six canals from the Indus River to irrigate the Cholistan desert. The project, estimated to cost Rs211.4 billion, aimed to bring 400,000 acres of barren land under cultivation. However, it was met with strong resistance from the PPP-led Sindh government, nationalist parties, and civil society groups.
Though the Council of Common Interests (CCI) last month overturned the earlier approval by ECNEC, declaring that no new canals would be built without consensus among provinces, protests have continued across Sindh.
Clashes erupted Tuesday as police attempted to disperse the protesters using baton charges. The demonstrators responded with stone-pelting, injuring a station house officer (SHO) and two policemen. Five protesters were also injured. All injured were taken to a nearby hospital. Police later dispersed the crowd.
Minister Lanjar ordered a detailed report and strict action against those involved. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack, labeling it terrorism and urging action against those disturbing peace under the guise of protest.
