The Sindh Rawadari Committee held a large protest in Hyderabad, rallying against the federal government’s plan to build six canals on the Indus River. Protestors condemned the project, citing threats to Sindh’s rights and resources.
The rally began at the Old Campus area and concluded at the Hyderabad Press Club, drawing widespread support from women, civil society groups, and members of PPP-Shaheed Bhutto, JSQM, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
Protestors also demanded the arrest of those responsible for the killing of Shahnawaz Kunbhar, voicing frustration over police inaction. Community leaders, including Alia Bakhshal, Irfana Mallah, and Niaz Kalani, stressed their resolve to protect Sindh’s rights and warned of escalating protests if their demands were not met.
Meanwhile, the Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) attempted to hold a separate rally in Hyderabad. Police preemptively arrested several TLP workers on Friday night, intensifying tensions.
On Saturday, as the Sindh Rawadari rally reached the press club, TLP supporters gathered at Hyder Chowk but were blocked by police near the DC House. To maintain order, authorities deployed tear gas, baton charges, and arrests, with senior officials, including DIG Tariq Dharejo and SSP Farrukh Lanjar, monitoring the situation.
Following the dispersal of their rally, TLP leaders held a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club, criticizing the administration for allowing the Sindh Rawadari protest while restricting their religious assembly.
They labeled the police’s actions as discriminatory and demanded fair treatment for all groups, regardless of ideology.
The Sindh Rawadari rally and the associated protests underscore the growing discontent in the region over the canal project and justice for Kunbhar. Authorities now face mounting pressure to address these concerns while maintaining peace in Hyderabad.
