THINGS may be looking up for farmers. With flows improving, the Indus River System Authority has summoned its advisory committee on Monday so that stakeholders can review the water situation and finalise availability projections for the remainder of the Kharif season. Though water availability criteria and distribution mechanisms are usually settled much earlier, this year they had to be put off because of the severe water shortage in late March. As a result, Irsa had only allocated enough water for drinking purposes to the provinces, which had forced farmers to delay sowing. Now, with more water available, the provinces can arrive at a consensus over who gets how much for the season. With the canal crisis still in the rearview mirror, it is hoped that the provinces will approach these discussions in the spirit of frankness and openness and arrive at a formula that benefits all, while also protecting their individual strategic interests. As has become clear, water could feature repeatedly as one of the key issues in domestic politics this year, and it is therefore important for all stakeholders to come prepared so that they are better able to protect the interests of those they represent.

Given the critical importance of agriculture to Pakistan’s economy, it is crucial for the authorities from each province to work together while recognising and respecting each other’s needs. The protests over the past few months have shown how quickly temperatures can rise over injustices in water distribution, whether real or perceived, and how they can trigger chain reactions that end up having serious negative consequences for the broader economy. The provinces also have a responsibility to communicate clearly not just with each other, but also with their constituents so that all the important stakeholders are on the same page regarding the water availability situation and adjust their expectations accordingly. It is also important that there be increased transparency in the allotment and use of water so that concerns regarding alleged theft and underreporting can be addressed. Most of all, it is Irsa’s responsibility to ensure fair dealing and equitable treatment as it manages water resources. It must be diligent.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2025