Pakistan has strongly condemned India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a violation of international law and a grave threat to regional peace.
Addressing foreign diplomats in Islamabad, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warned that India’s actions endanger millions of Pakistani lives and livelihoods.
Dar said India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty is against international law and the Vienna Convention. He stressed that the treaty cannot be suspended by one party alone and warned that peace in South Asia is facing serious threats due to India’s actions.
Dar said Pakistan remains committed to the peaceful resolution of all disputes but will not compromise on the water rights of its people under any circumstances.
Using water as weapon
The foreign minister accused India of using water as a weapon by releasing water into the Chenab River without prior notification. He said such actions endanger the lives and livelihoods of people living downstream in Pakistan.
According to Dar, India’s recent conduct is a clear example of weaponizing water, which poses serious risks to Pakistan’s security, economy, and public safety.
He warned that India’s actions threaten Pakistan’s food security by disrupting water flows essential for agriculture. He said stopping or diverting water from Pakistan’s allocated share under the treaty would be considered an act of war.
He emphasized that water is a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy and any disruption could have devastating humanitarian and economic consequences.
Withholding data and violating procedures
The deputy prime minister said India has withheld hydrological data and undermined the joint monitoring process mandated under the Indus Waters Treaty. He added that necessary data and technical information were not provided to Pakistan as required under the agreement.
Dar also pointed to Indian hydroelectric projects such as Kishanganga and Ratle, saying they violate the treaty’s technical conditions.
He said Pakistan has pursued formal diplomatic and legal channels through the Indus Water Commissioner to address these violations. He reiterated that Pakistan has acted responsibly and within the framework of international agreements.
He noted that India’s actions have drawn international attention, with UN Special Procedures expressing concern over New Delhi’s conduct regarding the treaty.
Call for international intervention
Calling on the international community, Dar urged global stakeholders to play their role in ensuring the full restoration of the Indus Waters Treaty. He said international silence would only embolden violations that threaten regional stability.
“The Indus Waters Treaty is not just a bilateral agreement, it is a cornerstone of peace in South Asia,” he stressed said, urging immediate action to prevent further escalation.
The minister also referred to recent remarks by India’s home minister, who announced that the treaty would not be restored and that water would be diverted. Dar said such statements further confirm India’s intent to unilaterally alter the agreement.
He concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s position: the country seeks peace, but its water rights are non-negotiable.
