These aren’t just water wars

They’re battles for survival

For justice, for heritage

For a people’s rightful revival.

Amir Murtaza, poet and writer from Karachi, Sindh, shares his poem

Poet and writer Amir Murtaza shares his poem. Based in Karachi, Amir Murtaza is a published writer of two poetry books, “Khizan Main Rang Dhoondta Hoon” & “The Last Clouds”. He has also written a number of short stories for children. Amir can be contacted at amirmurtaza1@hotmail.com

[For years, poor and developing nations have urged industrialized countries to compensate for the devastating storms and droughts caused by climate change. However, wealthier nations—responsible for the emissions fueling this crisis—have long resisted these calls. While some have begun to contribute, the support remains insufficient, and structural challenges persist. Many developing countries advocate for more substantial, predictable, and legally binding commitments. Following poem captures this grim reality.]

Sindhu: The Soul of Sindh

In Sindh, the southern land

Where the Indus once flowed wide

Communities lived in rhythm

With the river by their side.

 

For centuries they have stayed

By the water, on this land

Guardians of old wisdom

With nature, hand in hand.

 

But the river now runs thin

Its voice a quiet sound

As dams and canals upstream

Steal water from this ground.

 

The people of the delta

Watch crops wither and fade

Their boats stuck in dry mud

Their hopes quietly betrayed.

 

Now, in the name of progress

New canals are set to rise

Six more to be constructed

As Sindh watches with wary eyes.

 

Punjab leads the projects,

But Sindh has raised its voice

This wasn’t a fair process

There never was a choice.

 

The 1991 Accord

Promised each their share

But upstream keeps on taking

Leaving Sindh in deep despair.

 

These aren’t just water wars

They’re battles for survival

For justice, for heritage

For a people’s rightful revival.

 

The river is their lifeline

A part of who they are

To cut them from its waters

Is to leave behind a scar.

 

Still, they do not yield

Their spirit burning bright

Through poetry, songs, and protest

They continue with their fight.

 

Their message echoes clearly

Water must be shared

Not stolen by the powerful

But with justice and care.

 

Let us stand beside them

Let their story be shown

So Sindhu keeps flowing

And they’re not left alone.

_________________

Read: Indus: The Emblem of Liberation