Violence erupts in Karachi as police clash with protesters over Canals Project

KARACHI – At least six people, including a lawyer, were injured Sunday morning when police clashed with protesters during an attempt to dismantle a five-day sit-in against the controversial Cholistan canals project near Gulshan-i-Hadeed, officials confirmed.

The confrontation marks the latest escalation in months-long protests against the water initiative, which was halted earlier this week following a Sindh Assembly resolution and concerns over India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Despite the government’s pause pending consensus in the Council of Common Interests, demonstrations have continued across Sindh, including a Jamaat-i-Islami-led strike and lawyer-led sit-ins in Khairpur and Karachi.

Violent Confrontation
Karachi East-Zone DIG Usman Ghani described a tense standoff to Dawn.com, stating police moved to clear protest tents blocking a major roadway when violence erupted. “A lawyer attacked an officer, who retaliated in self-defense,” Ghani said, noting subsequent stone-pelting damaged police vehicles.

The senior officer expressed particular dismay at legal professionals’ involvement, stressing the clashes occurred amid heightened security concerns. “With cross-border terrorism threats, this lawlessness from those sworn to uphold justice is unacceptable,” he warned, confirming six injured detainees were hospitalized while FIRs are being prepared.

Political Backlash
Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) Secretary-General Dr. Safdar Ali Abbasi condemned the police response as “reminiscent of dictatorial rule,” insisting the eight-month protest movement had remained peaceful until Sunday. “Not even a single vehicle window had been broken previously,” he claimed, accusing the Sindh government of attempting to crush dissent through force.

The GDA leader vowed protests would continue until detained participants are released and canal project demands are addressed, asserting: “The legal fraternity is not alone – the people of Sindh stand with them.”

Project Controversy
The disputed canals project, inaugurated in February by Army Chief Gen Asim Munir and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has become a flashpoint for inter-provincial tensions. Opponents argue it threatens Sindh’s water rights, with protests gaining momentum after India’s Indus Waters Treaty suspension raised broader regional concerns.

As of Sunday evening, protesters had reestablished their blockade on the key roadway near Gulshan-i-Hadeed, while authorities pledged to maintain order. The standoff continues with neither side showing signs of retreat, setting the stage for potential further confrontations in coming days.