Most Pakistanis Think the Sindh-Cholistan Canal Project is Just Political [Opinion]

After surveying a lot of X and Instagram, it is fair to say that the ongoing dispute over the proposed canal project to irrigate the Cholistan region looks less about water and more about politics, according to most social media commentators. While recent talks between politicians give the appearance of progress, the truth is this controversy has been allowed to simmer due to political inertia and the government’s neglect of farmers sitting on this year’s wheat like eggs. “The federal government is once again refusing to buy this year’s wheat stock from farmers on time. This has pulled back key rates of the commodity below Rs. 1,800 per maund, while several farmers have no choice but to sell at a loss. The government must avoid repeating last year’s mistake of importing wheat and support local farmers only,” a farmer based out of Tibba Sultanpur told ProPakistani. This farmer appears to be lodging a concerning complaint, but our survey of key social blogs revealed that the infamous canal project linking Sindh’s waters to Punjab’s Cholistan desert is just an excuse to keep the heat off the wheat problem. The Green Pakistan Initiative, under which the canal falls, is a good plan aimed at addressing Pakistan’s long-standing agricultural issues. But the very nature of politics in Pakistan has reduced this much-needed infrastructure project into a zero-sum game. Hasn’t history taught us anything? The Sindh government’s threat to abandon the federal coalition and rally public protests might earn political mileage, but it does little to address Sindh’s water shortage concerns. Likewise, the sitting government’s failure to preemptively negotiate Sindh’s reservations is no less short-sighted. Only now, months into the political feud, is dialogue being considered is so typical of Pakistani domestic politics. So far, the canal project has failed because both ruling parties have allowed it to become a stage for politics rather than institutional problem-solving. Consensus cannot be reached in press briefings or midnight calls between party functionaries. It can only emerge when the Constitution is respected and the institutions it has created are activated and empowered. If there is genuine interest in a sustainable resolution, maybe skip irrigating Cholistan with Sindh’s water. It feels unnecessary right now. Anything less is political theatre, and like most performances in Pakistan’s fractured history, this one too is destined to end without a curtain call. We should give more attention to this year’s wheat harvest, at least for now. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ProPakistani. The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional advice. ProPakistani does not endorse any products, services, or opinions mentioned in the article.