Protests in Karachi and Sindh Over Indus River Water Disputes
Members of the Awami Tehreek, Awami Workers Party, and Jeay Sindh Mahaz-Riaz staged protests and sit-ins outside the Karachi Press Club and in various cities across Sindh. The demonstrations were aimed at opposing proposed new canals and dams along the Indus River. Protesters vocally condemned recent amendments to the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act.
Protesters expressed concerns that these amendments could grant federal authorities the power to construct up to 30 dams, a move they argue would violate international law and regional water agreements. They accused Punjab of exploiting its position as an upper riparian state to deny Sindh access to essential water resources.
The IRSA Act, enacted in 1992, was designed to establish the Indus River System Authority, which regulates the allocation and distribution of water from the Indus River system among Pakistan’s provinces. However, the Pakistani government recently denied any ongoing legislative efforts to amend the IRSA Act.
The issue of water allocation has long been contentious, particularly between Punjab and Sindh. Sindh has frequently accused Punjab of over-extraction and mismanagement of water resources, leading to severe shortages in the Sindh region. Notably, in 2003, media reported that Sindh protested against unauthorized canal constructions in Punjab that diverted critical water supplies.
Compounding these tensions, climate change and population growth have exacerbated the water crisis. The devastating floods of 2010 severely impacted Sindh’s agricultural base, intensifying existing grievances over water distribution. Recent reports from the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources indicate a marked decrease in water availability in the Indus River, raising alarms about equitable distribution among provinces.
As protests continue, the situation remains tense, with activists demanding accountability and fair access to water resources for Sindh. In Pakistan, inter-provincial conflicts often arise over various issues, including resource allocation, governance, and cultural identity. Another point of contention is the distribution of development funds and infrastructure projects, with provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa feeling marginalized in favour of Punjab. Additionally, cultural and linguistic differences often lead to political strife, as seen in the conflicts involving ethnic groups in Sindh and Balochistan.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi -: Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan. It is located in the southern part of the country, near the Arabian Sea.
Sindh -: Sindh is one of the four provinces of Pakistan. It is located in the southeastern part of the country.
Indus River -: The Indus River is one of the longest rivers in the world. It flows through China, India, and Pakistan.
Awami Tehreek -: Awami Tehreek is a political party in Pakistan. It focuses on the rights and issues of the people in Sindh.
Awami Workers Party -: Awami Workers Party is another political party in Pakistan. It works for the rights of workers and farmers.
Jeay Sindh Mahaz-Riaz -: Jeay Sindh Mahaz-Riaz is a political group in Sindh. It aims to protect the interests of the Sindhi people.
Indus River System Authority (IRSA) Act -: The IRSA Act is a law in Pakistan that manages the distribution of water from the Indus River among the provinces.
federal authorities -: Federal authorities are the central government officials in Pakistan. They have power over the entire country.
dams -: Dams are structures built to control water flow in rivers. They can store water and generate electricity.
water agreements -: Water agreements are deals made between regions or countries on how to share water resources.
Pakistani government -: The Pakistani government is the central authority that governs Pakistan. It makes laws and decisions for the country.
legislative changes -: Legislative changes are modifications or amendments made to existing laws.
water allocation disputes -: Water allocation disputes are disagreements over how water resources should be shared.
Punjab -: Punjab is another province in Pakistan. It is located in the northeastern part of the country.
climate change -: Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. It can affect water availability.
population growth -: Population growth means an increase in the number of people living in an area. More people need more water.
