Violent Protests Erupt in Pakistan Over Water Dispute

Violence erupted in Sindh, Pakistan, as protests against the government's plan to divert water from the Indus River escalated. Demonstrators set fire to the home of Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, raising concerns about public safety and government control. The unrest, led by a Sindhi nationalist group, stems from fears that the proposed canals will reduce water availability for agriculture in Sindh. The situation has drawn attention to the implications of the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan, especially following India's recent suspension of compliance. This article explores the unfolding crisis and its potential impact on regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 22, 2025, 11:23 IST

Protests Turn Violent in Sindh

In Pakistan's Sindh province, unrest escalated as demonstrators protested against the government's initiative to divert water from the Indus River. The situation intensified when enraged protesters set fire to the residence of Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, the Home Minister of Sindh. This alarming incident has raised significant concerns regarding the government's ability to manage public discontent and ensure safety. Numerous social media clips depict protesters armed with AK-47 rifles and other firearms.

Water Crisis in Pakistan

The protests were reportedly spearheaded by a Sindhi nationalist group, which attempted to stage a sit-in on the National Highway. They opposed the federal government's proposal to construct six canals from the Indus River aimed at supplying water to the Cholistan desert. Both the Sindh government and nationalist factions are against this initiative, fearing it will diminish Sindh's water allocation and adversely affect agriculture in the region.

Home Minister's Residence Attacked

The unrest culminated in the burning of the home of Sindh's Home Minister, Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar. Social media footage revealed individuals armed with rifles moving about freely and firing shots. The mob vandalized the property, destroyed household items, and set ablaze two cargo trailers parked outside. Lanjar condemned the violence and called for a thorough investigation. Police units from Nawabshah, Dadu, and Hyderabad were dispatched to assist local law enforcement in restoring order. A spokesperson for the Sindh government, Aqraba Fatima, described the attack as a direct challenge to state authority, warning that the government would not remain passive.

Implications of the Indus River Dispute

India and Pakistan are bound by the Indus Water Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus River's waters. However, the construction of new canals by Pakistan could alter the existing water-sharing arrangements, potentially leading to diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists, India halted its compliance with the treaty, a move that could have severe repercussions for Pakistan.