Pakistan is facing a growing water crisis that is putting agriculture, livelihoods, and regional economies under pressure, particularly in Sindh and parts of Balochistan. The situation has become more serious in the months following India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Pakistan's Water Crisis Deepens
The crisis has also reportedly triggered political tensions within the country, as leaders and farmers demand a fairer share of water resources. Pakistan's economic hub, Karachi, located in Sindh, is among the regions affected. The shortage is impacting nearly one-third of Pakistan's population. Politicians, farmers, and water experts have expressed growing concern over declining water supplies and unequal distribution.
India Maintains Tough Stance
India adopted a tougher stance after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. In addition to military action under Operation Sindoor, New Delhi suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently reaffirmed that India has no intention of softening its position, stating that India would not allow Indus River water to reach those who support terrorism.
Canal Network Reports Severe Water Shortages
According to Pakistan's newspaper Dawn, the effects of the crisis are clearly visible around Sukkur Barrage, one of the most important irrigation structures on the Indus River. The barrage supplies water to millions of acres of farmland in Sindh and parts of Balochistan and plays a crucial role in Pakistan's agricultural economy. Water shortages in Sindh's canal network have reached alarming levels.
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Reports indicate a 64.1 per cent shortage in the North West Canal, a 38 per cent shortage in the Rice Canal, and an 82 per cent shortage in the Dadu Canal. Allegations of illegal water withdrawals and unequal distribution in upstream areas have further worsened the situation. Data from Sindh's irrigation department indicates that Punjab is receiving 53,394 cusecs of water against its allocated share of 44,000 cusecs, which is more than 21 per cent above its entitlement.
Similarly, Taunsa Barrage is reportedly drawing 25,694 cusecs against its approved allocation of 24,000 cusecs, about 9.3 per cent more than allowed. Meanwhile, rising water levels at Chashma Barrage suggest that water is being retained in upstream regions while downstream areas continue to suffer severe shortages.
Political Tensions Rise Over Water Distribution
The worsening crisis has triggered political debate within Pakistan. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman accused the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led Sindh government of failing to solve Karachi's long-standing water problems despite being in power for many years. On the other hand, PPP Sindh President Nisar Ahmad Khuhro has argued that Sindh is not receiving its fair share of water despite being one of Pakistan's most productive agricultural regions.
Khuhro noted that Sindh produces around 5.5 million tonnes of rice annually and earns approximately USD 1.4 billion from rice exports. He warned that cuts in water allocations for the Kharif season amount to "economic genocide" for the province.
The impact is clearly visible in areas served by the right-bank canals of the Sukkur Barrage system, including Larkana, Qambar-Shahdadkot, Dadu, Shikarpur, and parts of Balochistan. Former Sindh Abadgar Board (SAB) leader Ishaq Mugheri also highlighted severe shortages across the canal network. The Dadu Canal, which is allocated 4,995 cusecs, is currently receiving only 860 cusecs. The North Western Canal is getting 2,100 cusecs against its allocation of 6,260 cusecs, while the Rice Canal is receiving 5,300 cusecs compared to its approved share of 8,700 cusecs.
Pakistan's heavy dependence on the Indus River system has long made water security a strategic issue. With India maintaining its firm position on the Indus Waters Treaty and growing internal disputes over water sharing, Pakistan's water challenges are expected to become even more difficult in the coming months.
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