For generations, the vast natural pastures stretching along the rivers of South Punjab have served as a lifeline for thousands of livestock farmers. These fertile grazing grounds, nourished by seasonal river flows and annual flooding, support countless cattle, buffaloes, goats and sheep that contribute significantly to Pakistan’s milk and meat production.
Today, however, these traditional grazing lands are facing an unprecedented challenge due to Indus Water Treaty violation by India. Farmers and livestock owners fear that continued disruptions in river flows, coupled with growing concerns over India’s actions regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, could reduce the availability of water reaching downstream regions. Experts warn that any prolonged decline in river water can have devastating consequences for the natural ecosystems that sustain these pastures. The riverine belt of South Punjab contains extensive “charagahs” (grazing lands), where local communities have relied on free natural fodder for decades. During different seasons, thousands of livestock are moved to these areas to graze on naturally growing grasses and vegetation. These lands not only reduce feeding costs for farmers but also play a crucial role in maintaining rural economies.
According to livestock expert Dr. Jamshaid Akhtar, the livestock sector remains one of the most important pillars of food security in Pakistan. Cattle and buffaloes provide essential sources of milk, meat and nutrition for millions of people. Any decline in natural grazing resources would ultimately affect animal health, productivity and food supplies. “Healthy pastures are directly linked to healthy livestock. If grazing lands shrink due to water shortages, farmers will face higher feed costs while milk and meat production may decline,” he explained. Similarly,
Environmental expert Adnan Tariq added, the riverine ecosystems depend on regular water flows. When water levels decrease, natural vegetation struggles to survive. Over time, reduced moisture can transform productive grazing lands into barren patches, threatening biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
In many villages across South Punjab, livestock farming is not merely an economic activity but a way of life. Local farmer Laique Sheikhana maintained that many families in his area depend on riverbank pastures to raise their animals. “Thousands of people take their livestock to these grazing lands regularly. If water shortages continue and the river ecosystem deteriorates, our animals and our livelihoods will suffer,” he said.
He argued that declining pasture resources could create a chain reaction across the agricultural economy. Higher fodder prices would increase livestock production costs, potentially leading to higher prices for milk and meat. Such a scenario could place additional pressure on consumers already facing economic challenges.
The experts further warn that the issue extends beyond the agricultural sector. Reduced livestock productivity can weaken national food security, affect rural employment and increase poverty in vulnerable communities. In regions where livestock serves as a primary source of income, the loss of grazing resources could cause broader socio-economic consequences. Local communities have urged international organizations, including the United Nations and the World Bank, to ensure that international water agreements were respected and that disputes over shared water resources should be addressed through established legal and diplomatic mechanisms. For the people living along the rivers of South Punjab, the debate is not only about water. It is about protecting ecosystems, preserving livelihoods and securing the future of the livestock sector that feeds millions. As concerns over water availability continue to grow, the survival of these natural pastures has become a symbol of a larger challenge facing the region: safeguarding food security in an increasingly uncertain environmental landscape, they concluded.