Pakistan Minister’s House Set On Fire After Violence Over Water Dispute In Sindh | X
Sindh (Pakistan), May 21: In a shocking incident, violence broke out in Pakistan’s Sindh province during protests against the government’s plan to divert water from the Indus River. The situation escalated when angry protestors set the house of Sindh’s Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar on fire. The shocking incident has raised serious questions over the government’s ability of handling security and public anger. Many visuals have surfaced on social media showing protesters roaming in the open with AK-47 and other guns in their hands.
Water Crisis In Pakistan
The government is planning to build a canal to divert water from the Indus River, mainly to increase water supply to Punjab. But locals in Sindh believe this plan threatens their farmland and water sources. They say that they are already facing water shortages and this project will make things worse.
Reasons Behind Farmers Being Upset
1. MSP (Minimum Support Price) for crops has been stopped under pressure from the IMF.
2. Their lands are being forcibly acquired for corporate farming.
3. Some believe that the military is getting involved in agriculture for profit.
How Did the Violence Start?
The protest began when locals tried to block a national highway. The police responded with force, which led to clashes. At least two people were killed in the violence and several others, including police officers, were injured. Protesters also attacked and burned down the home minister’s house in Moro.
Locals blamed the minister for ordering police action and accused him of supporting policies that would lead to Sindh’s destruction due to water shortage.
The situation grew worse: as protesters attacked injured police officers even at the hospital. Streets became chaotic and protesters looted trucks carrying urea fertilizer and then set them on fire.
Political Reactions
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack and called it a “terrorist act”, saying violence cannot be justified.
Minister Lanjar warned of strict legal action, calling the violence a violation of law.
Government Response
The Pakistani government has now announced plans to strengthen security in Sindh. They have deployed paramilitary forces to prevent further violence and promised to arrest and punish those involved in the attacks.
Indus River Effect On India
This situation has international implications. The Indus River is also shared by India and Pakistan under the Indus Water Treaty. If the canal project moves forward, it could affect water sharing with India and raise new diplomatic issues. However, India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty after terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists.
