Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on India to adopt a neighborly approach and resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing that “it takes two to tango.” Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) held in Islamabad on Tuesday, Dar cautioned India against breaching the treaty, highlighting the severe repercussions of undermining an international river agreement.
He stressed that the consequences of violating international laws and agreements extend beyond the two involved countries. “Such actions establish a dangerous precedent in global relations,” Dar remarked, adding that breaches tarnish the reputation of nations. He noted that India had suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the killing of 26 individuals in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025. New Delhi accused Islamabad of orchestrating the militant attack, an allegation Pakistan firmly denies.
Dar reiterated that lasting peace can only be achieved through mutual respect and sovereignty. He warned of serious consequences if Pakistan is deprived of its water rights. Reflecting on previous attempts to resolve issues with India through dialogue, he affirmed Pakistan’s readiness for comprehensive talks but underscored that cooperation from both sides is essential. Dar also criticized India’s narrow-mindedness, citing how even sports have been influenced by the Hindutva ideology. He pointed to the recent Bihar elections, where reportedly 40 million people were disenfranchised, urging the international community to take note.
Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of the Indus Waters Treaty under all circumstances. Addressing the same seminar, Tarar emphasized that Pakistan views the treaty as more than just an agreement—it is the lifeline for 240 million people. He warned that using water as a geopolitical weapon undermines regional and global stability.
Tarar highlighted the unique status of the 1960 treaty as one of the world’s most enduring water-sharing agreements. He stressed that Pakistan’s people have a legitimate and absolute right to the Indus River waters, warning that any attempt to divert or block this water would prompt a strong response from Pakistan’s leadership. He linked Pakistan’s history and agriculture, the backbone of its economy, intrinsically to the Indus River’s flow.
Pakistan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to peaceful relations and adherence to international agreements. Tarar noted that the treaty was mutually consented to over six decades ago and that any modifications must be made through mutual agreement. He also pointed out that India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty has embarrassed New Delhi 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 sent a letter to India just a day prior requesting data sharing as per the agreement. The commissioner condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the treaty as illegal and a clear violation. He accused India of diverting waters from the Chenab River, threatening the flow of 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 illegal. Shah emphasized that India must allow Pakistan to inspect this link as obligated by the treaty.
In a significant development, Russian expert Dr. Roxolana Zigon stated that India’s denial of Pakistan’s water rights violates international law and undermines equitable water-sharing mechanisms. She described the treaty as one of the most successful water-sharing agreements globally, facilitating cooperation between Pakistan and India for over sixty years despite tensions. Dr. Zigon underscored that the treaty contains no provisions for unilateral withdrawal.
She noted that more than 90% of Pakistan’s agriculture depends on river water and that 21 major hydropower projects are linked to the Indus river system. Nearly the entire population of Pakistan is connected to the Indus basin in some capacity. The expert warned that India’s upstream dam constructions could destabilize the region and accused New Delhi of weaponizing water resources. She stressed the importance of the Permanent Indus Commission as a vital mechanism for dispute resolution and called for preserving the treaty to maintain peace and stability in South Asia.
It is important to recall that, based on unfounded allegations, India initiated a war against Pakistan in May 2025, marking the heaviest fighting between the two neighbors in decades before a US-brokered ceasefire was achieved. During the 87-hour conflict, Pakistan downed eight Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale aircraft, along with dozens of drones.
