Widespread protests across Sindh against the construction of controversial canals from the Indus River have brought daily life to a grinding halt, with shutter-down and wheel-jam strikes paralysing cities and highways across the province.

Markets, both major and small, remained shut, leaving roads deserted. Public transport came to a complete halt, stranding commuters across various districts. In Khairpur, the sit-in by the legal fraternity at Baberlo Bypass entered its seventh consecutive day, causing severe traffic disruption. Lawyers from Sukkur also joined the protest.

Addressing protesters, Karachi Bar Association President Aamir Nawaz Warraich said that if there is unity among the people, India would not be able to act unilaterally even by revoking the Indus Waters Treaty.

A complete shutter-down strike was also observed in Warah, Qambar Shahdadkot, closing the main bazaar and commercial areas. In Obaro, protestors blocked the national highway at the Sindh-Punjab border, intensifying the agitation.

Protests intensify across Sindh against proposed new canal project

In Moro, Naushahro Feroze, protesters continued to occupy the national highway for a fifth straight day. Perishable food items inside stranded vehicles began to spoil, while hotel owners reportedly doubled the prices of food due to the disruption.

Over 12,000 vehicles stuck at the National Highway, transporters give 24-hours ultimatum to open roads

Across other cities in Sindh, lawyers and political parties also took to the streets in protest. Transporters gave the government a 24-hour ultimatum to clear the sit-in at Baberlo, warning that the blockade had already claimed a driver’s life due to a heart attack.

Transporters also complained that sacrificial animals and poultry loaded in trucks were in deteriorating condition, and food supplies were rotting. They warned that both federal and provincial governments would be held responsible if the vehicles suffered further losses.

The ongoing protests have stalled economic activity in Sindh. According to figures shared by FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh, around 12,000 vehicles, including 1,000 commercial trucks and 2,500 oil tankers, remain stranded on national highways. He warned of a looming crisis in the supply of food and essential goods to Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Over 12,000 vehicles stuck on national highway; bringing economy to standstill

Fuel shortages have already emerged in Ghotki and Pano Aqil due to the blockade. In Daharki, protestors intercepted and stopped trucks heading to Punjab. In Thatta, demonstrations broke out on roads in Makli and Gharo, while traffic between Sindh and Balochistan was disrupted in Qambar Shahdadkot, resulting in the spoilage of vegetables and livestock onboard.

Meanwhile, hotel owners have taken advantage of the situation by charging exorbitant prices to stranded drivers for meals.