Babarloi Dharna in Sindh, Pakistan

The Babarloi Dharna in Sindh, Pakistan has emerged as one of the most significant civil movements in recent months. Spearheaded by lawyers, civil society groups, and local communities, the protest is a direct response to the federal government’s controversial plan to construct six new canals on the Indus River under a corporate farming initiative.

Protesters argue that the project poses a serious threat to Sindh’s water rights, violating the 1991 Water Accord and endangering the province’s agriculture and livelihoods. The sit-in, staged in Babarloi, District Khairpur, has grown into a major roadblock — halting traffic between Sindh and Punjab by occupying the National Highway.

As public pressure mounted and the movement gained nationwide attention, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif addressed the issue. In a recent statement, he assured the public that no new canals will be constructed, acknowledging the concerns of the Sindhi people. He further hinted that an official notification canceling the canal project would be issued soon, signaling a potential resolution to the ongoing standoff.

The Babarloi Dharna has become a powerful symbol of provincial unity and resistance, with slogans emphasizing water rights and the protection of Sindh’s heritage. Whether the government follows through on its promise will determine the next chapter in this protest’s story.