Widespread protests erupted across Sindh against the construction of controversial canals drawing water from the Indus River, bringing daily life in the province to a standstill.
A complete shutter-down and wheel-jam strike on Wednesday crippled commercial activity and halted inter-city and intra-city transport across multiple districts.
Major and minor markets remained closed, while streets in major towns and cities appeared deserted. Public transport was suspended entirely, stranding thousands of commuters. In Khairpur, a sit-in led by members of the legal fraternity at the Baberlo Bypass entered its seventh consecutive day, severely disrupting traffic. Lawyers from Sukkur also joined the protest in solidarity.
Karachi Bar Association President Aamir Nawaz Warraich, addressing the demonstrators, emphasized the need for unity among Pakistanis to counter external threats, remarking that even India would be restrained from unilaterally revoking the Indus Waters Treaty if internal solidarity remained strong.
Similar scenes were witnessed in Warah, Qambar Shahdadkot, where a complete strike led to the closure of all commercial hubs, including the main bazaar. In Obaro, protestors blocked the national highway near the Sindh-Punjab border, further intensifying the unrest.
Protests in Moro, Naushahro Feroze continued for the fifth consecutive day, with demonstrators maintaining their blockade on the national highway. Perishable goods in stranded trucks began to spoil, and local hotel owners reportedly took advantage of the situation by significantly increasing food prices.
According to transporters, over 12,000 vehicles are stuck along the National Highway.
They have issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to clear the Baberlo sit-in, warning that continued delays could lead to severe economic losses. One driver reportedly died of a heart attack during the blockade.
Truck drivers also highlighted the deteriorating condition of sacrificial animals and poultry in transit, adding that federal and provincial governments would be held accountable for any further damage or losses. Political parties and legal associations across Sindh have joined the movement, demanding an immediate halt to the controversial canal project.
