Sindh: Protesters storm, burn home minister’s house over canal dispute

Hundreds of demonstrators protesting against the six-canal project stormed and set fire to the house of Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar in on Tuesday. Clashes erupted between protesters and police, prompting the government to order strict action against those involved in the violence.

The protest comes despite the Council of Common Interests (CCI) halting work on the controversial Cholistan Canal project, a key flashpoint in the ongoing dispute between Sindh and Punjab over the Green Pakistan Initiative.

Under the plan, six canals are to be drawn from the Indus River to convert uncultivated land into farmland and promote corporate farming.

Sindh raised concerns that these new canals, particularly those under construction in Punjab such as the Greater Thal and Cholistan Canals, will divert additional water from the already depleted Indus River.

This, activists and protesters warn, could worsen water shortages across Sindh, especially in its agricultural regions and major urban centres like Karachi.

Punjab, however, claims the Cholistan Canal will not infringe on Sindh’s water share. Still, many experts and Sindhi politicians remain unconvinced, arguing that Punjab has no surplus water, and any new canal would inevitably reduce Sindh’s quota.

Videos of the protest circulated on social media, showing Lanjar’s house engulfed in flames. Reports said the protesters also vandalised the interior of the residence and set fire to belongings.

Police responded with baton charges, while protesters hurled stones in return. After several hours of chaos, the crowd was eventually dispersed.

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Home Minister Lanjar took notice of the incident and demanded a detailed report from SP Naushahro Feroze. He directed authorities to take strict legal action against those responsible for disturbing law and order.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari condemned the attack and labelled it as an act of terrorism.