Cholistan

Cholistan Canal Project Halted: Pakistan’s government suspended the Cholistan Canal project, part of the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), after widespread protests in Sindh.

Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI): Aims to modernize Pakistan’s agriculture through irrigation, technology, and increased productivity. The Cholistan Canal was a major component to irrigate 1.2 million acres in the Cholistan Desert.

Cholistan Desert Overview: Located in southern Punjab, part of the Greater Thar Desert. Historically a caravan trade center, now characterized by arid conditions and limited water resources.

Sindh’s Concerns: Sindh fears the canals will worsen water scarcity. The province is a lower riparian and relies on the Indus River system. Concerns that federal government prioritizes Cholistan cultivation, at the cost of Sindh’s land, seawater intrusion and decimation of fragile eco-systems.

Historical Punjab-Sindh Tensions: The project ignited anti-Punjab sentiment in Sindh, fueled by historical grievances of marginalization.

PPP’s Dilemma: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), in power in Sindh, initially endorsed the GPI, causing backlash in Sindh and creating rifts with PML-N. PPP made a u-turn after Sindh protests.

Project Rationale: The Cholistan Canal, estimated to cost $800 million, was intended to transform the water-scarce Cholistan region by providing reliable water supply.

Water Source Controversy: Questions arose about the canal’s water source, initially intended to be floodwater from the Sutlej River. Sindh believes the project will utilize water from Indus river which is already scarce.