Bilawal to Shehbaz: Drop canal projects or lose PPP support
PPP chief slams PML-N’s ‘anti-farmer policies’
STATE OF THE NATION
April 19, 2025
CHAIRMAN of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, has issued a stark warning to the ruling PML-N, cautioning that continued confrontation with Sindh over the construction of new canals on the Indus River could lead to a breakdown in their political alliance.
Speaking at a public gathering at Hyderabad’s Hatri Bypass Ground on Friday, Mr Bhutto-Zardari stated unequivocally that his party would not remain part of the federal government if it proceeded with the contentious canal projects, despite having acknowledged the PPP’s objections. His address received widespread coverage in national media.
“The lion always feeds on the people’s blood, and the Shehbaz Sharif government’s policies are hostile to farmers,” he declared. He went on to assert that those pushing forward with the project owed their positions of power to the PPP. He further accused the federal government of withholding support prices from farmers, preventing provincial procurement of wheat, and imposing harsh taxes on the agricultural sector amid surging input costs.
“We have no interest in holding ministries — we simply demand respect,” he thundered from the stage. “The government must heed the voice of the people. I believed Shehbaz Sharif would reconsider this project after witnessing the backlash, particularly given that he cannot pass a budget or run parliamentary sessions without PPP support. But if he remains unmoved, then so do we.”
In his impassioned speech, Mr Bhutto-Zardari referenced the PPP’s longstanding record of withstanding political adversity, particularly during military regimes, for taking principled stands — and pledged that the party was once again ready to face any challenges that might arise.
“Do you really think threats of NAB action against Sindh Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro will intimidate us? No, bhai — PPP jiyalas do not bow to pressure,” he declared defiantly, alluding to a NAB reference involving Rs5 billion related to government land, in which Mr Shoro is implicated.
The PPP leader’s comments also appeared to be a veiled reference to the ongoing agitation led by the Save Indus River Movement. Its leader, Syed Zain Shah — grandson of G.M. Syed, a staunch advocate for an independent Sindh — has been a vocal critic of the canal projects.
Bilawal reminded the audience that it was at this very venue that he had pledged to remove “selected premier” Imran Khan through a no-confidence motion — a promise he claims to have fulfilled.
Concluding his remarks, Mr Bhutto-Zardari said it was his responsibility to avert any risks to the federation, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences both domestically and internationally.