Judicial proceedings came to a standstill across Sindh as lawyers across the province launched a full-scale boycott to protest a controversial canals project on the Indus River.
The province-wide shutdown impacted courts in several major districts, with the legal community uniting in opposition to what they call an illegal and harmful scheme.
Legal System Brought To A Halt
District courts in Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Naushahro Feroze, and numerous other areas remained inactive throughout the day, according to Dawn. The boycott left courtrooms empty, as lawyers refused to participate in any judicial activity in solidarity with an ongoing sit-in at Babarloi Bypass, where demonstrators have been protesting the construction of 6 new canals.
Indefinite Court Boycott In Karachi
In Karachi, the legal community escalated the protest, enforcing a complete shutdown of all district court activity. The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) has confirmed the boycott will continue without a set end date.
“The boycott of court proceedings will continue until further notice,”
— Imran Aziz, Acting General Secretary, Karachi Bar Association
Aziz also stated that only legal professionals would be allowed to enter the City Courts during this period.
Expansion Of Protests To New Locations
At a press briefing, Imran Aziz announced that the All Sindh Lawyers Action Committee had resolved to extend the sit-in protests to three new locations: Kamo Shaheed, Kashmore Dera Mor, and Karachi. These new protest sites are aimed at increasing pressure on the authorities and drawing attention to what the legal fraternity has condemned as “unconstitutional corporate farming.”
He stressed the lawyers’ unwavering stance, promising to continue demonstrations until all controversial projects threatening Sindh’s environment and autonomy are rolled back.
“Protests will continue until all initiatives seen as illegal and detrimental to Sindh’s land, water, and people are withdrawn,” Says Imran Aziz.
Civil Society Called To Join In
The KBA has also planned a protest sit-in originally scheduled outside Malir Court, which has since been shifted to Bin Qasim Link Road in Gulshan-i-Hadeed. Aziz called on both lawyers and civil society groups to stand alongside them in what he described as a “historic movement” to defend the Indus River and the rights of Sindh’s people.
Canal Project Sparks Widespread Backlash
Lawyers opposing the canal project argue it threatens agricultural livelihoods, provincial water rights, and Sindh’s constitutional autonomy. They claim the project was pushed forward without local consent and serves corporate interests at the cost of the province’s environment and future.
With the legal community taking a firm stance and protests gaining momentum, the fate of the canal project now faces growing resistance from both legal and civil society fronts.
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