Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar emphasized Pakistan’s readiness to respond decisively if any attempts are made to obstruct the country’s water supply. Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad on Tuesday, he underscored Islamabad’s determination to protect the treaty’s sanctity under all circumstances.
Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining the treaty, highlighting that weaponizing water threatens regional and global peace. Notably, he described the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty as a landmark agreement in international relations, recognized as one of the longest-standing water-sharing accords worldwide.
He remarked on India’s suspension of the treaty following the killing of 26 individuals in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025, an attack New Delhi blamed on Pakistan—a charge Islamabad denies. “This is not just a treaty; it is the lifeline for 240 million people,” Tarar stated, stressing that water is vital not only as a natural resource but as a matter of national survival for Pakistan.
He asserted Pakistan’s legitimate and full rights over the Indus waters, warning that any efforts to halt or divert the flow would be met with a strong response from the country’s leadership. The minister also linked Pakistan’s history and economic backbone, agriculture, to the Indus River’s waters.
Highlighting Pakistan’s consistent pursuit of peaceful relations and constructive dialogue, Tarar pointed out that the treaty was established over 60 years ago through mutual consent. He insisted that any modifications must be agreed upon by both parties, criticizing India’s unilateral suspension as an embarrassment on the international stage.
Pakistan’s Commissioner for the Indus Waters Treaty, Syed Mehr Ali Shah, stated that India has failed to comply with the treaty since August 2023. He revealed that Pakistan had recently sent a letter requesting data sharing as per treaty obligations. Shah condemned India’s unilateral suspension as illegal and a clear breach of the agreement.
He further accused India of diverting waters from the Chenab River, which would reduce the flow by 1.9 million gallons. Under the treaty, India is prohibited from diverting Chenab waters into the Beas River, and the construction of the Chenab-Beas link by India is deemed unlawful. Shah added that India is required to permit Pakistan to inspect this link under the treaty.
Russian expert Dr. Roxolana Zigon warned that India’s denial of water rights to Pakistan violates international law. She praised the treaty as a globally recognized model of equitable water sharing that has sustained cooperation despite political tensions for over six decades. Dr. Zigon noted the treaty contains no clauses allowing unilateral withdrawal.
She emphasized that over 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on river water, with 21 major hydropower projects connected to the Indus river system. The vast majority of Pakistan’s population is linked to the Indus basin in some capacity. The expert cautioned that India’s upstream dam construction could destabilize the region and accused New Delhi of using water as a geopolitical weapon, eroding international trust.
Describing the Permanent Indus Commission as a vital dispute resolution mechanism, Dr. Zigon stressed that preserving the treaty is crucial for peace and stability in South Asia.
In a significant development, it is recalled that India initiated a war against Pakistan in May 2025 based on unfounded allegations. This conflict marked the most intense fighting between the neighbors in decades before a US-brokered ceasefire was established. During the 87-hour war, Pakistan shot down eight Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale aircraft, and numerous drones.
