From Indus to Impasse Pakistan’s Water Woes
From Indus to Impasse Pakistan's Water Woes
From Indus to Impasse: Pakistan’s Canal Crisis and Water Wars in Sindh
Pakistan’s Water Crisis Deepens Amid Canal Project Controversy
Massive protests in Sindh have forced the Pakistani government to halt its ambitious Cholistan Canal project, part of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI). The plan aimed to irrigate Punjab’s Cholistan Desert but sparked fears of water diversion from the Indus River, threatening Sindh’s agriculture and ecosystem.
Green Pakistan Initiative: Promise vs. Reality
Launched in 2023, the $3.3 billion GPI sought to modernize agriculture, reduce food imports, and boost irrigation. However, the canal component:
- Raised concerns over water scarcity in Sindh
- Was seen as favoring Punjab’s interests
- Lacked sustainable water sources, relying on limited Sutlej River floodwaters
Sindh’s Resistance and Historical Grievances
The canal project reignited Sindh-Punjab rivalries, with Sindh accusing the federal government of prioritizing Punjab. Protesters blocked highways, stranded over 100,000 truckers, and disrupted Karachi Port, costing traders \$2 million daily.
Key concerns include:
- Threats to 18 million acres of Sindh farmland
- Damage to the Indus Delta ecosystem
- Perceived dominance of Punjab in national affairs
Political Fallout and Strategic Implications
The crisis strained the ruling coalition between PML-N and PPP, with Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari invoking India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty to rally support. However, public backlash intensified, demanding formal cancellation of the canal project.