HYDERABAD — In a fiery and impassioned address to thousands at a rally in Hyderabad, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced that his party can no longer support the federal coalition government if it refuses to halt the controversial new canal projects.
Speaking at Hatri Bypass, Bilawal sharply criticized the central government’s decision to move forward with the construction of new canals without consulting its coalition partner, warning that the policy is sowing division at a time when national unity is already fragile.
“They aren’t listening to us, nor are they willing to withdraw this project,” Bilawal said, as the crowd erupted in support. “Just like in Benazir Bhutto’s time, when we protested against controversial dams, we are again standing up because this is not just a water issue—this is about saving the federation.”
Bilawal emphasized the seriousness of the situation, pointing to security challenges in Balochistan and across the country. “When terrorism is spreading, they’ve triggered a crisis that threatens to turn provinces against each other. If we don’t act now, we may all run out of water. If PPP won’t speak up, who will?”
He was clear in his message: the PPP’s support in the coalition is conditional on the government respecting the will of the people, particularly those in Sindh. “If Shehbaz Sharif is Prime Minister today, he owes it to the people of Hyderabad—but he’s ignoring them. So we are rejecting their ministries.”
Bilawal called out the imposition of top-down projects from Islamabad, saying, “If the choice is between Shehbaz Sharif and the people, we choose the people.”
He stressed that development should be equitable. “Yes, we want progress in Tharparkar and Cholistan, but not at the cost of destroying Sindh’s farmlands. First, ensure full water delivery where cultivation is already happening. Only then should we discuss expanding canals elsewhere.”
He added that if the federal government reverses this project, the PPP is ready to work on long-term agricultural reforms. “We’ve weathered tough times before, and we’re not afraid now. PPP has never run from a fight—we’re here to protect Sindh and the federation.”
Bilawal also highlighted alleged pressure on PPP leadership. “Our irrigation minister was threatened with NAB cases, but he stood his ground. We’re not intimidated, and we won’t retreat.”
Challenging the government’s resolve, he said: “I didn’t win elections with a Form 47. I don’t have a ‘selected’ certificate. The only support I have is from the people standing with me. And I won’t leave their side. We’ve only just reached Hyderabad—this is just the beginning.”
He warned that unless the government immediately scraps the canal plans, the PPP will reconsider its position in the coalition. “Even your own President rejected this project during the joint parliamentary session. Now your coalition partner is saying no. Why the stubbornness?”
Bilawal announced that the next major protest would be held in Sukkur Division on April 25 and congratulated PPP’s recent by-election win in Umerkot, calling it proof that “the people of Sindh vote for the arrow, no matter how many parties unite against us.”
He mocked Islamabad-based analysts and media commentators who had predicted PPP’s downfall. “Seventeen parties joined hands, including PTI and PML-N, and still couldn’t defeat us. That loss wasn’t just electoral—it was symbolic. It was a rejection of this canals project and the politics behind it.”
He thanked the people of Hyderabad for standing firm with PPP and with the legacy of Benazir Bhutto, declaring, “We are the party that says ‘Pakistan Khappay.’”
PPP leaders echoed Bilawal’s sentiments. Central leader Shazia Marri reaffirmed the party’s total opposition to the canals, saying, “Our chairman will never let this happen.”
Sharjeel Memon said, “Water is a matter of life and death. The people of Sindh have spoken—these canals are not welcome. Even a united opposition couldn’t break our support in Umerkot.”
Sindh PPP President Nisar Khuhro noted that 15 political parties united against PPP in the by-election, but the people backed Bilawal. “This rally is purely local,” he said, “Hyderabad hasn’t been brought from outside. This is the real heartbeat of Sindh.”
With the next rally already scheduled, Bilawal made it clear the campaign is far from over. The message from Hyderabad: PPP is ready to sacrifice ministries, but not Sindh’s water.
