Indus Water Dispute and Pakistan’s Irrigation Future

By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK
Chief Editor Daily Rapid Lahore

“Pakistan is an agricultural country, yet millions of acres remain uncultivated due to water scarcity. The Indus River, which sustains the nation’s farms, sees a significant amount of its water flow into the sea unused. In a country facing food security challenges and economic struggles, this is an opportunity lost.“

The Indus River has been the backbone of Pakistan’s agriculture for centuries, yet its management remains one of the most contentious issues in the country’s history. While Sindhi nationalist leader Rasool Bux Palijo argued that Sindh was being deprived of its rightful share of water, the Pakistan Army has taken the lead in developing irrigation projects to transform arid lands into productive agricultural zones.

Rasool Bux Palijo’s Arguments on the Indus Water Dispute

Rasool Bux Palijo, a respected lawyer, intellectual, and Sindhi nationalist, saw the Indus water dispute as an act of political and economic injustice against Sindh. His key arguments were:

1. Sindh’s Historical Rights Over Indus Water

Palijo argued that Sindh’s civilization had relied on the Indus River for thousands of years, and its water should be allocated based on Sindh’s needs rather than dictated by upstream provinces.

2. Punjab’s Dominance in Water Distribution

He accused Punjab of controlling Indus water through large dams and canals, benefiting Punjab’s agriculture at the expense of Sindh. He saw this as an ongoing exploitation of Sindh’s resources.

3. Opposition to Kalabagh Dam

Palijo was one of the strongest opponents of the Kalabagh Dam, warning that it would:

• Reduce Sindh’s water supply, devastating its agriculture.

• Worsen seawater intrusion, making vast coastal areas unfertile.

• Increase Punjab’s control over the Indus, further marginalizing Sindh.

4. Environmental and Economic Impact on Sindh

He pointed out that less water flow in the lower Indus was causing:

• Desertification in Sindh’s fertile lands.

• Destruction of mangroves in the Indus Delta.

• Loss of livelihoods for Sindh’s fishing communities.

5. Need for a Fair Water Distribution System

Palijo called for strict implementation of the 1991 Water Accord, ensuring:

• Transparent water distribution.

• Equal representation for Sindh in water policy decisions.

His arguments reflect a broader Sindhi nationalist perspective, where water politics symbolizes Sindh’s struggle for economic and political rights.

Pakistan Army’s Role in Irrigation and Agricultural Expansion

While the water dispute remains unresolved, the Pakistan Army has been actively involved in land reclamation and irrigation projects, focusing on turning deserts into productive farmland. Their efforts aim to maximize Indus water usage instead of letting it flow into the sea unused.

1. Expanding Canal Networks to Irrigate Arid Lands

The Army has influenced and supported large-scale canal projects to bring Indus water into desert regions like:

Thar (Sindh)

Cholistan (Punjab)

Kharan (Balochistan)

One major project is the Greater Thal Canal, which aims to irrigate parts of Punjab’s barren lands. However, Sindhi nationalists see it as a threat to Sindh’s water share.

2. Military-Controlled Agricultural Development • The Fauji Foundation, DHA, and other military-run ventures have established farmlands in desert regions using Indus water. • In Cholistan and parts of Thar, military-backed companies have played a major role in land development. • Critics argue that these benefits are not reaching local communities but are strengthening military-owned agribusinesses.
3. Underground Water Extraction and Rainwater Harvesting • The Army has developed deep wells, rainwater storage systems, and small dams in Balochistan and Thar. • These projects provide irrigation water where canals are not available.
4. Strategic and National Security Considerations • Some analysts believe the Army’s push for irrigation is also strategic, as it encourages settlements in border areas (e.g., Cholistan near India). • This strengthens national security by increasing population density in these regions.
5. Addressing Sindh’s Concerns: A Path Forward

Sindhi nationalists argue that military-backed irrigation projects in Punjab could reduce Sindh’s water share. However, if water allocation is done fairly, these projects could be nationally beneficial by:

Expanding cultivable land without harming Sindh’s agricultural sector.

Increasing food production, reducing Pakistan’s reliance on food imports.

Creating jobs and economic opportunities, reducing poverty.

Pakistan Army’s Irrigation Vision: Transforming Pakistan’s Agriculture

Pakistan is an agricultural country, yet millions of acres remain uncultivated due to water scarcity. The Indus River, which sustains the nation’s farms, sees a significant amount of its water flow into the sea unused. In a country facing food security challenges and economic struggles, this is an opportunity lost.

The Pakistan Army’s irrigation initiatives aim to reclaim barren lands and turn them into thriving agricultural hubs.

1. Stopping Water Wastage and Preventing Sea Intrusion

Each year, millions of acre-feet of freshwater is lost to the Arabian Sea. Instead of letting this valuable resource go to waste, the Army’s irrigation projects aim to:

Maximize water utilization through canals, dams, and reservoirs.

Combat seawater intrusion in Sindh’s coastal regions by regulating freshwater flow.

Ensure drought resilience, securing water supplies for future generations.

2. Transforming Deserts into Green Agricultural Zones • The Cholistan, Thar, and Kharan Deserts contain vast, unused lands that can be made fertile. • Countries like Israel, China, and Egypt have successfully converted deserts into agricultural lands—Pakistan can learn from these models.
3. Creating Jobs and Reducing Crime • Lack of economic opportunities in rural Pakistan forces migration to overcrowded cities, increasing poverty and crime. • Irrigating new lands will create thousands of jobs, encouraging people to stay in their home regions.
4. Ensuring Food Security and Economic Growth • Pakistan faces growing food security challenges due to climate change and inefficient water use. • More irrigated land = Higher crop production = Lower food prices. • Surplus crops can be exported, boosting Pakistan’s GDP.
5. Strengthening National Security • Developing border regions through agriculture and settlements increases population density and economic activity. • A self-sufficient Pakistan is less vulnerable to external food supply disruptions.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Indus Water Management

The Indus water dispute is deeply political, with Sindh demanding a fair share and Punjab seeking agricultural expansion. Rasool Bux Palijo’s concerns highlight longstanding grievances, while the Pakistan Army’s irrigation efforts focus on national agricultural development.

To move forward, Pakistan needs a balanced approach that:

Ensures Sindh receives its rightful share of water.

Expands irrigation without harming downstream regions.

Develops deserts into productive farmlands, benefiting the entire nation.

By maximizing Indus water usage while addressing provincial concerns, Pakistan can achieve food security, reduce poverty, and strengthen its economy—ensuring a prosperous future for all.