Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar voiced serious concerns over India’s recent expansion of reservoirs and water diversion initiatives on the Indus River system, cautioning that these actions could significantly alter natural river flows and enable India to assert “hydro-hegemony.” He warned that such developments pose substantial risks to regional stability and water security.
Speaking virtually at a conference on transboundary water resources held in Brussels on Thursday, Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s apprehensions are grounded not only in Indian rhetoric but also in concrete projects implemented under the Indus River system. He highlighted that India has undertaken multiple projects, including new reservoirs, expansions of existing structures, and diversion schemes affecting the Indus, Chenab, and Ravi rivers.
Dar specified that at least 17 such projects are underway, which collectively could drastically transform the river system, granting India considerable control over water resources in the region. This, he argued, aligns with India’s ambitions for hydro-hegemony.
Pakistan has previously declared that any unilateral attempt to alter the flow of cross-border rivers would be considered an “act of war.” The 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT), which governs the use of water from six rivers originating in India and flowing into Pakistan, remains in force despite tensions. The treaty is a critical framework relied upon by hundreds of millions of people in the Indus basin.
In a significant development, India announced in May 2025 that it had suspended its participation in the IWT, accusing Pakistan of supporting a deadly attack on tourists in India’s Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), allegations that Pakistan has firmly denied.
Earlier in the seminar, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law. He noted that the IWT has historically provided a durable framework for managing the six rivers of the Indus system and has withstood multiple conflicts over the decades.
He acknowledged that Pakistan has raised its concerns through international channels and respected decisions even when outcomes were not fully favorable. However, Dar stressed that responsible nations should operate within established legal frameworks rather than abandoning them.
The deputy prime minister described rivers as vital lifelines with deep historical, cultural, and economic importance. He cautioned that depriving populations of water access could lead to severe consequences, asserting that water should never be used as a tool of coercion.
Dar advocated for a future of transboundary water governance based on cooperation and adherence to international law. He further emphasized that this issue extends beyond South Asia, underscoring that honoring treaty obligations is a global necessity crucial for regional peace and prosperity.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance, Dar stated the country remains dedicated to resolving disputes through dialogue, diplomacy, and international legal mechanisms. He asserted that sustainable solutions can only be achieved through cooperation and mutual respect for agreed commitments.
Additionally, Dar highlighted Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. He called for enhanced international collaboration to address water-related challenges exacerbated by climate change.
