Indus Waters Treaty – Pakistan Raises Fresh Concerns Over Water Sharing Dispute

Indus Waters Treaty –  Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik has accused India of attempting to influence Pakistan’s share of water under the Indus Waters Treaty, saying Islamabad would firmly oppose any move that affects its allocated river flows. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Malik claimed that recent developments surrounding the decades-old agreement had increased concerns over regional water security and Pakistan’s agricultural future.

Pakistan Links Concerns to Treaty Suspension

During his remarks, Malik referred to India’s decision to place the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 25 tourists and one local resident lost their lives. He alleged that New Delhi was seeking to limit the downstream flow of water into Pakistan, describing the issue as one with significant humanitarian and economic implications.

According to Malik, any reduction in Pakistan’s water supply would have serious consequences because a large section of the country’s economy relies on agriculture. He stated that between 40 and 50 percent of Pakistan’s population depends directly or indirectly on farming, making water availability critical for food production, employment, and economic stability.

Agriculture and Economy at the Center of Debate

The minister argued that restricting river flows would go beyond a political disagreement and directly affect millions of people. He said water resources play a central role in ensuring national food security while also supporting nearly one-quarter of Pakistan’s overall economy. In his view, the issue concerns the livelihoods of farmers as well as the country’s long-term economic resilience.

Malik reiterated that Pakistan had already conveyed its official position on the matter through diplomatic and legal channels. He added that Islamabad considers the protection of its treaty rights a national priority and would continue to defend what it regards as its lawful share of water under the agreement.

International Law and River Rights

Emphasizing legal principles, Malik argued that rivers flowing across international borders cannot simply be blocked by upstream countries, even in situations where no formal treaty exists. He noted that the Indus Waters Treaty provides a structured legal framework governing water distribution between India and Pakistan, making the current dispute particularly significant.

The minister said Pakistan intends to present its arguments before the appropriate international forums, stressing that the debate extends beyond bilateral relations. According to him, broader questions surrounding the rights of downstream communities and access to water could also become part of the international discussion.

Information Minister Reaffirms Pakistan’s Legal Position

At the same media briefing, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also addressed the issue, maintaining that the Indus Waters Treaty remains legally valid. He argued that the agreement cannot be suspended, revoked, or amended through unilateral action by either country.

Tarar said Pakistan believes its legal interpretation of the treaty has received international support. He further stated that the country’s leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, has consistently described water security as a matter of national importance and a fundamental national interest.

Reports Circulate Across Pakistani Media

Malik’s comments were widely reported by Pakistani media organizations, including Dawn, while video clips from the press conference were shared across social media platforms. However, the authenticity of the circulating videos could not be independently verified.

The developments come as tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty continue to attract regional and international attention, with both countries maintaining firm positions over the future implementation of one of South Asia’s most significant water-sharing agreements.