Water Crisis Sparks Violence in Pakistan: Sindh Minister’s Home Torched by Armed Protesters

Pakistan’s Sindh province descended into chaos as a severe water crisis fueled violent protests, culminating in armed demonstrators torching the residence of Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar in Moro, Naushahro Feroze. The unrest, sparked by the controversial six-canal project, left two protesters dead and heightened tensions, exposing deep grievances over water scarcity.

The Violent Protest
The demonstration in Moro erupted over the six-canal project, which locals claim diverts water from Sindh to Punjab’s Cholistan region, exacerbating shortages. Protesters, armed with guns, stormed Lanjar’s home near the National Highway, setting furniture, rooms, and two nearby trailers ablaze. Clashes with police and private guards, who fired shots to disperse the mob, resulted in two protester deaths. Videos on X showed burning structures and gunfire, with the town shuttered amid further unrest.

Roots of the Water Crisis
Sindh’s water woes stem from systemic issues, including mismanagement and inequitable distribution. Karachi residents have faced no water for 12 days, forcing reliance on costly private suppliers. The six-canal project, a flashpoint between the PPP-led Sindh government and the federal PML-N, is seen as prioritizing Punjab’s irrigation over Sindh’s needs. Protesters, including nationalist groups and farmers, accuse the government of neglecting Sindh’s agrarian communities, fueling resentment.

Political and Social Fallout
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the violence as “unacceptable,” vowing action against those exploiting protests. Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah ordered inquiries into the deaths, but critics, including JSFM leaders, demand the canal project’s cancellation, citing historical marginalization. X posts, like those from @Kashmir_Fact
, highlighted the deaths as a tipping point, with #SindhProtests trending. The attack follows Balochistan’s unrest, signaling broader regional dissent.

Path Forward
The crisis underscores Pakistan’s urgent need for equitable water policies. The Sindh government’s failure to address shortages, coupled with federal-provincial disputes, risks further violence. Calls for dialogue with protesters and investment in water infrastructure grow louder, as does scrutiny of security forces’ response. With Sindh’s economy and stability at stake, resolving the crisis demands swift, transparent action to prevent escalating unrest.