On the occasion of World Water Day, President Asif Ali Zardari issued a strong appeal to India, urging the neighboring country to immediately restore the full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT). He emphasized that New Delhi must fulfill its international commitments without delay, underscoring the treaty’s critical role in maintaining peace and cooperation between the two nations. The president’s message came at a time when water resources have become a focal point of diplomatic tension, reflecting the broader challenges of managing shared natural assets in a volatile regional context.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s firm objection to India’s unilateral decision to suspend the treaty, describing it as a deliberate and troubling move that weaponizes shared water resources. He pointed out that India’s action to place the treaty in abeyance not only disrupts the established mechanisms for hydrological data exchange but also undermines the spirit and letter of an agreement that has successfully governed the equitable sharing of the Indus river system for over sixty years. This disruption threatens to unravel decades of cooperation and trust built around one of the most vital transboundary water arrangements in the region.
The strain over the Indus Waters Treaty escalated sharply after India suspended the treaty following a deadly attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOK) in April 2025, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the assault without conducting a thorough investigation, an allegation Islamabad has categorically denied. This incident has exacerbated already fragile relations, with the suspension of the treaty raising serious concerns about the future management of water resources that millions depend on for agriculture, drinking, and industry.
Highlighting the broader implications of these developments, President Zardari warned that such unilateral actions jeopardize not only food and economic security but also the livelihoods of countless individuals who rely on the Indus waters. He cautioned that setting a precedent of disregarding international water-sharing agreements could have far-reaching consequences for the governance of transboundary resources under international law, potentially destabilizing the region further.
In his address, the president also drew attention to the theme of this year’s World Water Day: “Water and Gender.” He stressed that water insecurity disproportionately affects women and girls, who often bear the heaviest burden when access to safe and nearby water sources is limited. In many parts of Pakistan, households still depend on distant or unreliable water supplies, forcing women and girls to spend long hours collecting water—time that could otherwise be devoted to education, employment, or family care. This daily struggle not only limits opportunities but also poses significant health risks and adds to the strain on household wellbeing.
President Zardari underscored that ensuring access to safe water is not merely a matter of infrastructure but also one of social justice and equality. He reminded the nation that the right to safe water and sanitation is enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution, making it a fundamental obligation for the government to prioritize reliable water supply. Achieving this goal requires effective management of water resources, substantial investment in water infrastructure, and importantly, increased involvement of women in water-related planning and decision-making processes.
Encouraging community-level initiatives, the president advocated for simple yet impactful measures such as rainwater harvesting to help replenish underground aquifers and raise the water table. He emphasized that while individual and local efforts are vital, they must be supported by broader policies to address the mounting pressures on water caused by population growth and climate change. “Water sustains our agriculture, our cities, and our natural environment,” he said, urging everyone to use this precious resource with greater care and responsibility.
As Pakistan commemorates World Water Day, President Zardari’s message serves as a timely reminder of the critical importance of cooperation, sustainable management, and equitable access to water. His call to India to honor the Indus Waters Treaty is not only about safeguarding a shared resource but also about preserving peace and stability in a region where water remains a lifeline for millions.
