Islamabad, Pakistan – The Pakistan government has initiated an ambitious agricultural project aimed at enhancing food security in the South Asian nation, home to 240 million people. The project, known as the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI), involves the construction of a network of six canals across the country to irrigate millions of acres of barren land. Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the country’s army chief, General Asim Munir, the $3.3 billion (945 billion rupees) initiative has been praised by supporters as a transformative effort to convert desert areas into fertile farmland.
Munir, who inaugurated the canal project last month alongside the Punjab chief minister, commended Punjab—Pakistan’s most populous province—as the “powerhouse of Pakistan’s agriculture.” He also reiterated the military’s commitment to supporting the nation’s economic growth.
However, the project has faced criticism from some quarters, particularly in the southern regions of the country. Critics argue that the construction of canals across Pakistan’s four provinces could lead to water shortages in Sindh province and say the project was planned without adequate stakeholder consultation. Some experts warn that the GPI could strain Pakistan’s already fragile river system, which is under pressure from climate change and overexploitation.
Protests have erupted in Sindh since the project’s announcement, with the latest demonstration occurring on March 25 in major cities, including Karachi. These protests were led by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the ruling party in Sindh, which also supports Sharif’s federal government.
Why Have People Protested in Sindh?
Water allocation has long been a contentious issue in Pakistan. Sindh, as a downstream province, fears that upstream developments could reduce its water share, threatening its agricultural and drinking water supplies. Protesters, including women and children, have voiced concerns that the canal system could divert water from the Indus River, which is vital to Sindh’s livelihood.
What is the Green Pakistan Initiative?
Agriculture is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, contributing nearly 25% of its GDP and employing 37% of the workforce. Launched in July 2023, the GPI aims to modernize the agricultural sector by introducing advanced technologies such as drones, land management systems, and tractors, as well as providing seeds, fertilizers, and technical support to farmers.
The project also seeks to attract domestic and foreign investment to establish “modern farms.” In 2023, Pakistan imported $9 billion worth of food items, despite facing a balance of payments crisis and requiring financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Green Corporate Initiative (GCI), an army-owned private company, has been tasked with converting wastelands into arable farmland. Shahid Nazir, a retired army general and head of the GPI, emphasized that revitalizing agriculture is crucial for Pakistan’s economy, especially in light of climate-related threats. The project aims to cultivate 4.8 million acres of barren land, creating jobs for over 60,000 people.
Cholistan Canal: A Key Component
The Cholistan Canal, the largest of the six planned canals, spans 176 kilometers (109 miles) and will have three branches with a total capacity of 4,120 cusecs (116,665 liters per second). Expected to be completed by mid-2030 at an estimated cost of $783 million, the canal aims to irrigate 1.2 million acres of land in Punjab, primarily in the Cholistan Desert.
The canal is intended to address food security, improve rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable development in underdeveloped regions. However, critics question the reliability of water sources, as the canal is planned to be fed by excess floodwaters from the Sutlej River, which India controls.
Concerns About Water Shortages
Environmental experts warn that the project could exacerbate Pakistan’s water stress. Naseer Memon, an Islamabad-based environmental specialist, noted that water flow in the eastern rivers of the Indus Basin has declined significantly due to dam construction and climate change. Pakistan saves only 10% of its river water, far below the global average of 40%, making it one of the most water-stressed nations in the world.
Criticism and Opposition
The Indus River System Authority (IRSA), which oversees water distribution among Pakistan’s provinces, has acknowledged potential water shortages. Sindh’s IRSA representative, Ehsan Leghari, warned that diverting water from the Indus to the Cholistan Canal would be “unfair to Sindh.” The Sindh government, led by the PPP, has passed a unanimous resolution calling for an immediate halt to the canal project, citing its potential to harm the province’s agricultural sector and ecology.
Sherry Rehman, a senior PPP leader, warned that the project could lead to the desertification of Sindh’s fertile lands. Critics also question the lack of transparency regarding water sourcing and potential diversion from the Indus River, which could further disadvantage Sindh.
Conclusion
While the GPI aims to modernize Pakistan’s agricultural sector and boost food security, it has ignited significant controversy, particularly in Sindh. Critics argue that the project could exacerbate water shortages and inequitable distribution, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability and impact on the livelihoods of millions. As protests continue, the government faces the challenge of balancing national development goals with the demands of provincial stakeholders.
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