Cholistan, a vast desert in Pakistan’s Punjab province, covers an area of 6.6 million acres and spans the districts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan. Bahawalpur encompasses the largest portion, with 4 million acres, followed by Rahim Yar Khan’s 1.6 million acres and Bahawalnagar’s 1 million acres.
Despite its vastness, the region’s 280,000 residents, including a significant Hindu minority, have been mired in a decades-long struggle for land and water rights.
The people of Cholistan are striving to secure ownership of the land they were promised by the government for cultivation purposes. Furthermore, the region faces an acute scarcity of drinking water, prompting persistent demands from the community for access to clean water.
To address these issues, the then government established the Cholistan Development Authority (CDA), under the CDA Act of 1976, which was tasked with improving the region’s well-being. Its responsibilities include creating irrigation systems, providing drinking water for humans and cattle, establishing farms, healthcare facilities, and schools, and ensuring the prosperity of the local population. However, these lofty objectives have often been overshadowed by delays, corruption, and controversial policies.
The dream of land ownership in Cholistan dates back to 1959 when residents submitted applications under the Mazeed Ugao Scheme. Unfortunately, no records of these applications exist, and no land was ever distributed under this scheme. After the CDA’s formation, the first organized land allotment scheme began in 2013. Out of 65,000 applicants, only 21,000 met the strict eligibility criteria, which required proof of residency, a livestock tax receipt (Tarni), and a CNIC and voter registration from Cholistan. However, in 2018 when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government came to power, it cancelled the land allotment process on the grounds of corruption.
In 2019, a fresh round of applications began, resulting in 41,841 eligible candidates out of 64,240. Yet, the process stalled during PTI’s tenure, leaving thousands in limbo. It wasn’t until December 2023, under the then Interim Chief Minister of Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, that the long-awaited allotment materialized. Through a computerized lottery system, 27,451 farmers were finally granted 344,000 acres of land across Yazman, Liaquatpur, and Fort Abbas.
For the people of Cholistan, this marked the culmination of a 60-year struggle. Yet, this victory remains incomplete as many farmers still await possession of their allotted lands.
While the people of Cholistan fought tirelessly for land, thousands of acres were quietly handed over to influential groups. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) investigations revealed that the CDA allocated 74,000 acres to the military, though local residents claim this figure is closer to 400,000 acres.
Moreover, land has been given to foreign entities, including the Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chinese investors, according to HRCP’s findings. In June 2023, the Punjab government announced plans to use Cholistan’s land for corporate farming under the Green Pakistan Initiative.
By October 19, 2023, 700,000 acres had been leased to M/S Green Corporate Initiative Pvt. Ltd. for 20 years, with an optional 10-year extension. The terms of this agreement remain shrouded in secrecy, raising questions about transparency and accountability.
The proposed Cholistan Canal, which is a part of this initiative, adds another layer of controversy. Ostensibly aimed at supporting agriculture, there is widespread skepticism about whether its water will benefit local farmers or be monopolized by corporate farming ventures. Without water, the newly allotted lands for local farmers remain barren and unproductive.
While the people of Cholistan fought tirelessly for land, thousands of acres were quietly handed over to influential groups. Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) investigations revealed that the CDA allocated 74,000 acres to the Pakistan military
The people of Cholistan are united in their fight for justice, demanding both water and land rights. Protests have highlighted the government’s failure to prioritize the needs of local farmers over corporate interests.
Political parties and civil society must stand with the people of Cholistan, ensuring that the region’s resources are not exploited for corporate gain. The government must:
- Publicly disclose all corporate farming agreements.
- Conduct a scientific analysis of the risks and benefits associated with the Cholistan Canal.
- Guarantee that the Cholistan Canal serves local farmers first.
- Expedite the transfer of land possession to rightful allottees.
Cholistan’s farmers have endured decades of broken promises. Now, their fight is not just for land but for the very resources that will sustain their livelihoods. The desert speaks of resilience, but it also echoes a plea for justice. Will the authorities pay heed?
The writer is a human rights defender with extensive experience in training and educating activists. He has twice served as a council member of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan.
