Karachi Bar Association (KBA) President Aamir Nawaz Warraich sustained injuries on Tuesday after being assaulted by a group of six individuals. Warraich attributed the attack to his firm opposition to the controversial six-canals project, declaring that he would not retreat from his stance.
The disputed canals scheme is part of the Green Pakistan Initiative, aiming to irrigate 4.8 million acres (1.9 million hectares) of arid land through the construction of six canals—two each in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. Five of the canals are to be sourced from the Indus River, while one will draw water from the Sutlej River. The project intends to provide 4,120 cusecs of water to the Cholistan desert in Punjab.
The initiative was inaugurated on February 15 by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Army Chief General Asim Munir. While hailed by some as transformative for southern Punjab, the plan has sparked widespread opposition in Sindh, where concerns have been raised over ecological damage and the reduction of Sindh’s rightful share of river water. The Sindh Assembly passed a unanimous resolution in March rejecting the construction of these canals.
The KBA has emerged as one of the leading voices against the project. In a video statement following the incident, Warraich described the assault as an attempted murder, stating, “Six people attacked me with the intent to silence opposition, but we will not back down. These canals must be stopped.”
He affirmed that a planned lawyers’ convention on April 12 would proceed as scheduled and added that he would not be filing a police complaint. Warraich also issued a stern warning, threatening to block the Sindh-Punjab border if the project is not cancelled within 72 hours.
According to South DIG Syed Asad Raza, Warraich and fellow lawyers were gathered at a cafe on II Chundrigar Road when the altercation occurred. The DIG stated that no firearms were involved and that the incident appeared to be a physical confrontation resulting in injuries. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and collecting witness statements to determine what transpired.
KBA General Secretary Ghulam Rehman Korai confirmed that Warraich was taken to Civil Hospital for medical care. Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported that he had sustained multiple injuries to his face, chest, and feet.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took notice of the assault and instructed police to conduct a thorough investigation, ensure accountability, and consult the legal community during the process.
Condemning the attack, PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh called it a cowardly act and praised Warraich’s contributions to upholding the rule of law and the Constitution. He urged authorities to swiftly apprehend those responsible, stressing that the campaign against the controversial canals and legal injustice would not be silenced through violence.
