President Asif Ali Zardari has voiced strong condemnation against India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling the tactic of weaponizing shared water resources deeply troubling. His remarks were delivered in a statement released on World Water Day, a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of freshwater and sustainable management of water resources.
In his statement, President Zardari drew attention to the escalating water crisis faced by Pakistan, emphasizing that the burden of water scarcity is not evenly distributed across society. He pointed out that women and girls bear the brunt of this shortage, often having to travel long distances or rely on unreliable and unsafe water sources for their daily needs. This situation, he noted, persists in many rural and underserved communities, where access to clean and dependable water remains a significant challenge.
Highlighting the critical need for a secure and consistent water supply, the President urged the government and relevant stakeholders to prioritize investments in water infrastructure and management at the national level. He stressed that without robust planning and development of water systems, the country’s ability to meet the growing demand for water would be severely compromised, impacting public health, agriculture, and overall economic progress.
Furthermore, President Zardari underscored the vital role women must play in water management decisions. He advocated for their active involvement in policy-making and community-level initiatives, recognizing that inclusive participation is essential for effective and sustainable water governance. Alongside this, he called for urgent measures to replenish groundwater reserves and enhance the capacity of reservoirs, which are crucial for mitigating the effects of droughts and erratic rainfall patterns.
Addressing the broader environmental context, the President warned that rapid population growth combined with the adverse impacts of climate change is exerting unprecedented pressure on Pakistan’s limited water resources. He urged all sectors of society to adopt responsible water use practices and embrace sustainability to safeguard these vital resources for future generations.
Turning to the contentious issue of the Indus Waters Treaty, President Zardari condemned India’s suspension of the agreement as a blatant violation of both its legal provisions and the cooperative spirit that has governed water sharing between the two countries for decades. He highlighted that the treaty has historically played a key role in ensuring equitable distribution of the Indus River system’s waters, which millions of people on both sides rely upon for agriculture, drinking water, and industry.
The President warned that any disruption to the treaty’s mechanisms risks undermining the livelihoods of countless communities dependent on these shared water resources. He called on India to immediately resume full adherence to the treaty’s terms, emphasizing that continued cooperation in water management is not only critical for regional peace but also for sustainable development and economic stability in South Asia.
In closing, President Zardari reiterated that water is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of national security. He urged all stakeholders to come together to address the water crisis through collaborative efforts, sound policy-making, and respect for international agreements, ensuring that Pakistan’s water future remains secure and resilient.
