Today, the Sindh region of Pakistan is gripped with fear and panic. Why? Because the historic Indus Waters Treaty has now been suspended by India.
This decision has triggered intense reactions from Sindh’s political leadership, especially Bilawal Bhutto, who recently made a provocative statement:
“Either our water will flow, or their blood will.”
Let’s understand the background of this crisis, and why Sindh is at the epicenter of panic in Pakistan.
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
Signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, the Indus Waters Treaty allocated the water of six rivers:
- Western Rivers (to Pakistan): Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab
- Eastern Rivers (to India): Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej
Despite being entitled to use only the Eastern rivers, India has allowed water to flow into Pakistan from the Western rivers, especially the Indus, which is crucial for the Sindh province.
However, after decades of compliance, India has now suspended the treaty. While this doesn’t yet mean permanent termination, it opens the door to major policy changes—something that terrifies Pakistan’s already water-starved regions.
Why is Sindh More Affected Than Other Provinces?
Take a look at the geography: The Indus river enters Sindh after passing through Punjab province in Pakistan. Punjab enjoys the lion’s share of the river water due to its upstream location. Over time, this has resulted in:
- Major water diversion by Punjab for agriculture and canals
- Severe water shortages in Sindh
- Growing mistrust between the provinces
Now, if India starts using even 20-30% of the Indus water, the flow to Pakistan will reduce significantly. Punjab might still manage, but Sindh could face drought-like conditions, affecting drinking water, agriculture, and daily life.
Bilawal Bhutto’s Threats and the Political Reality
Bilawal Bhutto may no longer be Pakistan’s Foreign Minister (since 2023), but his party PPP (Pakistan People’s Party) is part of the ruling coalition with PML-N (Nawaz Sharif’s party). His recent speeches threatening bloodshed have gone viral.
In a recent address from Sukkur, Sindh, he said:
“Either our water will flow, or their blood will.”
This extreme rhetoric is fueling tensions within Pakistan more than with India.
Pakistan’s Internal Water War: Sindh vs Punjab
The real crisis is not India vs Pakistan, but Sindh vs Punjab. Punjab is pushing a new canal project to divert even more water for itself. In reaction:
- Sindh has seen massive protests
- The project had to be paused by the federal government
- There’s growing resentment against Punjab’s water monopoly
According to a prominent Pakistani journalist’s article (dated April 24, 2025), this canal dispute is threatening the unity of Pakistan itself. If Sindh continues to be deprived, there are fears of a civil split.
India’s Strategic Position
India’s decision to suspend the treaty is not a sudden one. For years, Pakistan has supported cross-border terrorism and political hostility. Suspending the treaty is seen as a strong diplomatic signal.
Furthermore:
- India is a far stronger country—militarily and economically
- India has global support from powers like the US and Russia
- Pakistan is isolated, except some moral backing from China
Pakistan’s usual threats of retaliation sound hollow today. Even internally, Punjab’s greed may cause more damage than India’s actions.
What Can Sindh Do?
Sindh’s people must ask:
- Why does Punjab take their water?
- Why has the federal government failed to protect Sindh’s rights?
- Is India truly the enemy, or is the real threat within Pakistan?
India must clearly communicate:
“We are not your enemy. Your water is being stolen by your own provinces.”
Conclusion
This is a humanitarian crisis in the making. India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has exposed the deep internal divisions within Pakistan, especially between Punjab and Sindh.
While politicians like Bilawal Bhutto raise slogans of war and bloodshed, the real solution lies in fair water sharing within Pakistan—not in blaming India.
If this issue escalates, Pakistan might not only face a water crisis but also a political breakdown.