The Provincial Minister of Sindh, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has issued a firm warning that the Popular Pakistan Party (PPP) will leave the Federal Coalition if a project of controversial channels is not withdrawn.
In statements to the media when opening an exhibition of furniture in Karachi, Nasir Shah declared that the plan was a “red line” for his group. He stressed that, although the PPP avoids political conflict, it cannot commit to national interest and provincial autonomy.
Shah accused the Indo River System authority (IRSA) of presenting inaccurate water availability figures and said recent evaluations show insufficient water for the proposed scheme. He urged Prime Minister and the country’s political leadership to make a sensible decision and cancel the project.
He also addressed other national problems, linking domestic terrorism with hostile external forces and reaffirming the support of PPP to military operations against militants. Shah warned against the weakening of Pakistan’s armed forces, drawing parallels with Libya and Iraq, where military erosion led to chaos.
On economic matters, Shah welcomed the exhibition of furniture, describing it as a positive step for the public awareness of interior design trends. He recognized the mineral wealth of Pakistan, but emphasized the need for technology and investment, clarifying that the provinces retain their full rights in the mining sector.
He criticized the unequal distribution of gas, insisting that Sindh should have priority over their own resources while guaranteeing a fair distribution throughout the country.
Praising the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Nasir Shah said he was managing several promising projects and expressed the hope that the contentious schemes were reviewed by leadership.
When commenting on agriculture, he encouraged modern agriculture methods in Sindh, particularly in areas rich in water, and added that the efforts of other provinces in this direction should not be criticized.
Nasir Shah dismissed the political opponents who joined around the issue of the channel as an opportunist, stating that the PPP approach remains to safeguard the broadest interests of Pakistan.
