Violence Erupts in Sindh, Pakistan, Over Six-Canal Project
Protests and violence have broken out in Sindh province, Pakistan, over a controversial six-canal project. Demonstrators set fire to the home of a provincial minister, resulting in two deaths and numerous injuries during police intervention. The incident has further exacerbated existing political tensions.
Pakistan: Water Dispute and the Cholistan Canal Project
A major dispute has erupted in Sindh province over water scarcity and resource management. Residents are vehemently protesting the construction of six canals, known as the Cholistan Canal Project. The project has sparked widespread anger at political, social, and local levels. The protests escalated when demonstrators set fire to the home of a provincial home minister, leading to clashes with the police.
What is the Cholistan Canal Project?
The Cholistan Canal Project is a plan by the Pakistani central government to construct six canals drawing from the Indus River. The aim is to irrigate the desert region of Balochistan and cultivate approximately 400,000 acres of barren land. The project’s estimated cost is around PKR 211.4 billion. If successful, it could significantly benefit farmers and residents in the area.
Reasons for the Protest
Despite the project’s purported benefits, the people and political parties of Sindh province have serious objections. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which governs Sindh, along with other political parties, religious organizations, and activists, oppose the project. They argue it will deplete Sindh's water resources, intensifying existing water scarcity. They perceive the project as a violation of their regional rights.
Protests and Violence
On Tuesday, protests reached a fever pitch. In Naushahro Feroze district, Sindh, protestors attacked the home of Provincial Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, setting it ablaze along with two nearby trailers. Two protestors were killed, and dozens more, including police officers, were injured. Police fired upon the protestors in an attempt to regain control, further escalating the situation.
Political Tensions and Center-Province Dispute
The Cholistan Canal Project has become a point of contention between the Pakistani central government (Shehbaz Sharif's administration) and the PPP government of Sindh. The central government prioritizes the project, while the Sindh government and its supporters view it as an infringement on their rights. Pre-existing tensions over water distribution further fuel the conflict.
Common Interests Council (CCI) Meeting and Decision
Last month, Pakistan's Common Interests Council (CCI), the equivalent of India's inter-provincial council, did not approve the project. The CCI explicitly stated that no canal project would commence without the consent of all provinces. This implies that the central government will not take further action until an inter-provincial agreement is reached. However, protests in Sindh continue.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto's Statement
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari bly condemned the attack on the home minister's residence, calling it a “terrorist act.” He stated that those who instigated the violence attempted to disrupt public order. Bilawal urged the government to take strict action against those perpetrating violence under the guise of protest.
