In response to growing public concern over the controversial canal project, Sindh’s Minister for Information, Sharjeel Inam Memon, has acknowledged that the people’s reservations are legitimate and must be respected. Addressing the issue, he reiterated that the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the Sindh government have maintained a consistent and transparent stance from day one. He highlighted that it was the PPP which first raised the canal issue, with a formal summary on the matter signed by the Chief Minister of Sindh as early as June 14, 2024.
Sharjeel Inam Memon emphasized that the party does not only advocate for the farmers of Sindh, but considers the welfare of agricultural communities across the entire country. Urging peaceful expression of dissent, he requested protestors to limit their demonstrations to designated areas and avoid blocking roads or causing public discomfort. “We are civilized people. Protest should not come at the cost of others’ inconvenience,” he remarked.
The Minister also took aim at some Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders for what he called “irresponsible and provocative statements,” accusing them of deliberately trying to derail productive dialogue. He clarified that the PPP has refrained from attacking PML-N’s top leadership but warned that if certain individuals continue their inflammatory rhetoric, the party may be forced to respond.
Commenting on ongoing negotiations, Sharjeel welcomed the involvement of senior PML-N figure Rana Sanaullah, who is holding discussions at the Prime Minister’s request. However, he cautioned that if antagonistic statements continue, even PPP’s media team may not hold back from issuing counter-responses.
He further stated that the PPP approaches all matters seriously and believes in resolving issues through consensus and communication. Criticizing the behavior of some provincial ministers from Punjab, he suggested that their remarks seem aimed at putting the federal government in a difficult position. He urged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former PM Nawaz Sharif to counsel their party members to avoid exacerbating tensions.
Sharjeel Memon concluded by reminding the public of PML-N’s prior political manoeuvring, referencing how the party supported PTI during the Umerkot by-elections—a move whose consequences, he said, are well known. “PPP will make its decisions independently and thoughtfully, guided by principles rather than reactionary politics,” he stated.