Information Minister Attaullah Tarar firmly dismissed India’s efforts to weaponise water resources, emphasizing that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) cannot be unilaterally amended, revoked, or suspended. Speaking at the launch of a detailed report titled “Weaponising Waters: Historical, Legal, and Strategic Dimensions of IWT Suspension” at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), Tarar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace while warning against any attempts to use water as a tool of conflict.
He highlighted that the IWT remains legally binding and cannot be altered through unilateral actions. The Court of Arbitration has upheld Pakistan’s stance, reinforcing the treaty’s inviolability. This statement comes amid ongoing tensions following the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague’s ruling, which confirmed the treaty’s validity and ordered India to halt its hydroelectric projects.
India had suspended the treaty after an incident in April 2025, where 26 people were killed in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, accusing Pakistan of involvement—a charge Pakistan has categorically denied. The situation escalated into intense clashes in May, which were eventually paused by a US-mediated ceasefire.
Tarar noted Pakistan’s diplomatic approach in addressing the issue, engaging the international community and presenting its case in relevant global forums. He recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where the prime minister described the IWT as vital to the people and stability of the region. Sharif also warned that any attempt to infringe upon Pakistan’s water rights would be considered an act of war.
Pakistan’s position on the treaty has garnered international support, with Tarar stressing that the IWT continues to serve as a foundation for peace and stability. He condemned any efforts to politicize or weaponise water resources as legally, diplomatically, and morally indefensible.
Furthermore, Tarar called on the global community to recognize the broader consequences of allowing a country to unilaterally suspend a binding water treaty despite established dispute-resolution mechanisms. He warned that such a precedent could jeopardize transboundary water governance worldwide, impacting other nations dependent on shared water agreements.
In conclusion, Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to persist in its international diplomatic efforts and protect its essential national interests in full compliance with international law.
