A massive canal project under Pakistan’s Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) has sparked protests over potential water shortages in the country’s southern regions. The government claims the $3.3 billion project will boost agriculture and food security, but critics fear it will deprive Sindh, a lower riparian province, of its fair share of water.
What Is the Green Pakistan Initiative?
Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, GPI aims to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector. The plan includes constructing six major canals across the country to irrigate millions of acres of barren land. Supporters argue the initiative will transform deserts into fertile farmland and strengthen Pakistan’s food supply.
The project has strong backing from Punjab, the country’s most populous and agriculturally dominant province. Munir has called Punjab the “powerhouse of Pakistan’s agriculture” and promised continued military support for economic development.
Why Is Sindh Opposing the Project?
For decades, water distribution has been a major political issue in Pakistan. Sindh relies heavily on the Indus River for agriculture and daily consumption. The province fears that diverting water to upstream projects in Punjab and other regions will lead to severe shortages.
Protesters argue that GPI was planned without consulting all stakeholders. They believe that already declining water levels—caused by climate change and overuse—cannot sustain such large-scale projects. Many in Sindh see this initiative as an unjust move favoring Punjab at the expense of lower riparian regions.
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Growing Protests in Sindh
Since the project’s announcement, protests have erupted across Sindh, with thousands taking to the streets. The latest demonstrations on March 25 saw rallies in major cities, including Karachi. The protests were led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), which governs Sindh but also supports the federal government. This has created tensions within the ruling coalition.
Women and children have also joined the demonstrations, highlighting the widespread concern over water shortages. Protesters demand that the federal government address their grievances and ensure that Sindh’s water rights are not violated.
Environmental and Economic Concerns
Experts warn that Pakistan’s river system is already under immense stress. Reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, and over-extraction of water have significantly lowered Indus River levels. Critics argue that expanding canal networks could worsen the crisis, leading to long-term environmental damage.
Additionally, water shortages could devastate Sindh’s agricultural economy. The province produces a significant portion of Pakistan’s wheat, rice, and sugarcane. Farmers fear they will be left struggling to sustain their crops if the Indus water flow is reduced.
The Road Ahead
Despite the backlash, the federal government remains committed to the project. Officials claim they will ensure fair water distribution, but protests indicate deep mistrust among the people of Sindh.
The coming months will be critical as the government navigates political and environmental challenges. If concerns over water shortages remain unaddressed, resistance to the project may continue to grow, intensifying tensions between Pakistan’s provinces.
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