The people of Sindh are rising against a tide of oppression, and their call for justice must not go unheard

As rallies continue to demand change, it is imperative for the government to reconsider the consequences of its actions on Sindh’s environment and its people

By Nasir Aijaz

The vibrant plains of Sindh, once celebrated as the breadbasket of Pakistan, are now teetering on the brink of ecological and humanitarian disaster. The Indus River, the lifeblood of this southern province, is being drastically reduced, leaving farmers in despair and ecosystems in collapse. The root of this crisis? A controversial set of canal constructions in Punjab, specifically the six new canals aimed to irrigate the arid Cholistan Desert, all while ignoring established agreements and the vehement objections from Sindh.

In recent months, a widespread uprising has emerged across Sindh, ignited by the growing frustrations of its populace. All segments of society are rising in unison—Sindhi women, students, lawyers, and ordinary citizens—taking to the streets to voice their discontent against the canal project that threatens their livelihoods and the environment. Rallies and protests are now a daily occurrence in every corner of Sindh, signaling a collective demand for justice and recognition of their rights.

One notable mobilization was led by lawyers from across Sindh who marched to Karachi, the province’s capital, to protest the construction of these canals. Demonstrations coincided with significant dates such as World Water Day, and more rallies are planned for the International Day of Action on Rivers, slated for March 14. These events underscore the urgency of the water crisis and the potential for escalating tensions in the region.

Sindhi community around the world also has been registering its anger over the construction of canals. In Houston, the members of Sindhi community went door to door to seek the blessings of their elders in fight against the unjust construction of six canals on the Indus River. The response was nothing short of inspiring. Many people closed their businesses for this cause. Others paused their prayers to stand in solidarity. Even those facing health struggles stepped forward, refusing to stay silent while Sindh’s lifeline is threatened.

They said, “This is more than just a protest; it is a fight for the very existence of Sindh and the rights of generations to come. We call upon every Sindhi heart in Houston to rise, unite, and be the voice of our homeland.”

They also gave a call to Sindhi community to join us on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM in front of the Consulate General of Pakistan in Houston.

An image of dried up Indus River, created by ChatGPT

The Water Crisis Deepens

The situation for Sindh is dire. The province is currently facing a staggering more than fifty percent shortage of its allocated share of Indus River water, a critical resource necessary for farming and sustaining life. Yet, the construction of new canals in Punjab is poised to exacerbate this shortage, as additional water is siphoned away from Sindh’s already dwindling resources.

The impact of these actions has been devastating. The existing network of dams, barrages, and link canals in Punjab has already inflicted significant damage upon Sindh. The failure to release adequate water downstream from the Kotri Barrage has led to the decimation of the Indus delta and triggered severe sea intrusion, which has ravaged millions of acres of agricultural land in coastal Sindh.

The environmental repercussions of this crisis are profound. The Palla fish, a unique species indigenous to Sindh, is teetering on the edge of extinction. This fish breeds in the delta area and can only flourish when travelling upstream after sufficient river water is released. The plummeting water levels jeopardize not only the Palla fish but also the entire ecosystem that depends on the delicate balance of the Indus River.

Moreover, standing crops are wilting under the oppressive conditions brought about by water scarcity. Farmers, once thriving in the fertile fields of Sindh, now watch helplessly as their crops fail, leading to economic ruin and food insecurity.

Political Response and Public Skepticism

In response to the rising tide of protests and public anger, President Asif Zardari, addressing a joint session of Parliament, stated his opposition to the canal construction. However, the Sindhi people remain skeptical, viewing his statements as politically motivated rather than genuine. They recall that Zardari previously signed documents endorsing this controversial canal project, as well as the questionable Green Pakistan Project, which involved granting lands to military bureaucracy.

This perceived betrayal has exacerbated mistrust between the Sindhi populace and federal authorities. As protests mount and crops continue to wither, the patience of the people wears thin, and the potential for unrest escalates.

Also on Thursday March 13, 2025, Sindh Assembly unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the construction of six new canals on the Indus River, including the Cholistan Canal, calling them illegal and a violation of the 1991 Water Accord.

The resolution urged the federal government and the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to halt any plans or activities related to these projects until all provinces, particularly Sindh, are consulted to ensure their water rights are protected.

However, the people of Sindh expressed distrust through social media, and termed it a political tactic, as Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh, who moved the resolution, was the same person, who just few days back, had denied that any new canal was being built in Punjab, and had criticized those holding protest rallies against the canals.

A Call for Action

The situation in Sindh is not merely a local issue; it represents a broader struggle for environmental justice and equitable resource distribution. As rallies continue to demand change, it is imperative for the government to reconsider the consequences of its actions on Sindh’s environment and its people. Sustainable solutions must be sought that prioritize the needs of all provinces, ensuring that the Indus River continues to nourish the lands and people who have depended on it for generations.

The looming threat of water scarcity and ecological collapse calls for urgent intervention, dialogue, and equitable policy-making. The people of Sindh are rising against a tide of oppression, and their call for justice must not go unheard.

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