Despite Punjab Province receiving the largest share of water under Pakistan’s 1991 Water Apportionment Accord, it has been encroaching on allocations meant for other provinces, citing its upstream advantage, lack of water measurement transparency, and weak enforcement of the accord. This has led to clashes between Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab over water distribution, with accusations of federal favoritism towards Punjab. The situation has escalated into a political crisis, highlighting deep mistrust between the federation and its provinces.
The downstream provinces, particularly Sindh, are increasingly worried about the impact on agriculture, drinking water supplies, economic development, and ecological preservation as the Indus River System Authority restricts southward water flows. Sindh, heavily reliant on Indus water, has accused IRSA of unfair distribution, risking livelihoods and the economy of the downstream region. Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also faced challenges, with grievances over inequitable water distribution and infrastructure limitations to tap the Indus.
The report warns of a potential worsening situation that could lead to social unrest if the military-driven Green Pakistan Initiative is implemented. The initiative aims to construct a six-canal network, including the Cholistan Canal, raising concerns about water availability for these projects amidst existing water stress in the Indus system. The provinces are questioning the feasibility of such initiatives given the current water distribution issues.
