Historic Awakening against Indus Water Theft

It is time for those in power to surrender to justice, equality, and fairness. Ignoring this awakening could prove to be a historic mistake.

Dr. Muhammad Mataro | Ireland

A remarkable moment is unfolding in Sindh, where an unprecedented mass movement has risen against the theft of Indus River water and the construction of six controversial canals. What makes this movement extraordinary is the way it has united the entire Sindhi nation — transcending all divides of politics, class, profession, and region.

From political workers to students, from farmers to teachers, from poets to lawyers, from urban centers to remote villages — every segment of Sindhi society has risen in one voice against systemic injustice and denial of their rightful share of Indus water. Even young school children, writers, singers, and civil society activists are standing shoulder to shoulder in this historic struggle.

This spontaneous people’s movement is not being led by any single leader or political party. Instead, it is the collective consciousness and courage of Sindh’s people themselves that has become the real leader. Such unity and determination have not been witnessed in decades — perhaps never at this scale in Sindh’s recent history.

This powerful awakening has left those complicit in Indus water fraud — particularly feudal elites within the ruling PPP — both baffled and frustrated. The powerful forces behind the so-called “Green Pakistan Initiative” and six canal projects did not anticipate this resistance. Now, in their desperation, they are resorting to their old tactics of violence and terror, especially targeting Karachi — the heart of Sindh.

The recent heinous attack on a prominent lawyer and the threatening press conferences of notorious linguistic groups with histories of violence in Karachi are clear indications of this strategy. But this time, the people of Sindh seem more determined than ever.

Pakistan as a federation is already facing multiple crises — insurgencies in Balochistan and KPK, unrest in Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir, and rising discontent in South Punjab (Saraiki belt). Opening yet another front against its own people for short-term economic or political gains is not only unjust but dangerously shortsighted.

If these grievances remain unaddressed, and if state institutions continue to suppress genuine demands with force rather than dialogue, it will only deepen alienation and threaten the very stability and future of Pakistan as a federation.

It is time for those in power to surrender to justice, equality, and fairness. The resources of Pakistan must be shared equitably among all its federating units. Sindh’s rightful share of Indus water must be restored, and its people respected for their peaceful yet powerful struggle.

Ignoring this awakening could prove to be a historic mistake.

Read: Sindh’s Battle for the Indus

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Dr. Muhammad Mataro Hingorjo is a Family Physician based in Limerick, Republic of Ireland.