Rivers are a living reality, and obstructing their natural flow is both a crime and an act of ecological self-destruction. Water aggression is not just an attack on the federation’s foundations but also a catastrophic threat to the entire region.

The destruction of the Indus River is not merely a matter of Sindh’s survival; its devastation will push 250 million people into hunger, poverty, and environmental collapse. Supporting the ongoing mass resistance in Sindh to save the Indus River from annihilation is a historical duty of every individual, group, and nation concerned with its future.

This was stated by prominent intellectuals and public representatives gathered at the Karachi Press Club to discuss the looming threats to the Indus River during a seminar titled “Indus River: The Lifeline of Sindh Under Threat,” organized by the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) and the youth organization Alternate. NTUF Secretary General Nasir Mansoor presided over the event, emphasizing the ecological importance of the Indus Delta and coastal areas.

Zehra Khan from the Home Based Women Workers Federation stressed the river’s living nature, warning against projects like the six Canal, which she likened to a “suicide bombing” for Sindh. She highlighted the global unacceptability of big dams and pointed to historical grievances over water agreements with India.

Sajjad Zaheer criticized the political handling of water issues, underscoring the economic dependency on agriculture and the broader implications for the region. He urged for a fight against projects threatening Sindh’s water security, advocating for a collective struggle grounded in Marxist philosophy.

Other speakers, including Tabassum Khoso, Mehnaz Rehman, and Ali Ahmed Jan, echoed the calls for unity and resistance against ecologically damaging projects. They highlighted the adverse effects of corporate farming, unsustainable development, and historical injustices related to water distribution.

Dr. Asghar Dashti and Dr. Riaz Shaikh provided critical insights into governmental mismanagement and the socio-political dynamics exacerbating the water crisis. They called for an independent audit of WAPDA and modernization of water systems to address the ongoing crisis effectively.

The seminar concluded with a unified call to action, urging political, civil society, and grassroots movements to work together to protect the Indus River-a vital lifeline for Sindh and the broader region.