Indus Waters Treaty – Pakistan Alleges India Is Seeking to Restrict River Water Flow
Indus Waters Treaty – Pakistan has sharply criticized India’s position on the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing New Delhi of attempting to limit the country’s access to its allocated river waters. The remarks came during a press briefing where senior Pakistani ministers defended Islamabad’s legal position and warned against any move that could affect water sharing between the two neighbours.
Pakistan Raises Concerns Over Water Sharing
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik claimed that India was trying to influence the flow of water meant for Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. His comments followed India’s decision to place the 1960 agreement in abeyance after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and one local resident.
Malik alleged that New Delhi’s approach could have serious implications for Pakistan, saying any attempt to interfere with the country’s allocated share of water would receive a firm response. Referring to statements made by Indian leaders, he suggested that Pakistan viewed the issue as one affecting both national rights and long-term regional stability.
Agriculture and Economy at the Centre of the Issue
Highlighting the domestic impact of river water supplies, Malik said a significant share of Pakistan’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture. According to him, any reduction in water availability would not only affect farming activities but could also influence employment opportunities, food production and broader economic performance.
He argued that control over water resources would have consequences extending beyond irrigation, affecting sectors linked to agricultural output and rural livelihoods. The minister maintained that Pakistan considered uninterrupted access to its allocated waters essential for national development.
Pakistan Reaffirms Its Position
During the press conference, Malik reiterated that Pakistan had already communicated its position on the matter through diplomatic and legal channels. He stated that Islamabad would continue to defend what it considers its rightful share under the treaty framework.
The minister also stressed that international legal principles governing shared rivers should remain applicable regardless of political disagreements. He argued that countries located upstream should not have unrestricted authority to halt water flowing to downstream nations, especially when a formal agreement already exists between the parties.
Treaty Expected to Remain Central to Legal Arguments
Malik said Pakistan intended to present its case by emphasizing that the Indus Waters Treaty remains an active legal framework governing river water distribution. According to him, broader questions related to international justice and the rights of downstream populations would also be part of Pakistan’s argument.
He added that access to water is an issue affecting communities beyond South Asia and suggested that international institutions would ultimately determine the legal interpretation of treaty obligations.
Information Minister Supports Legal Stand
At the same media briefing, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also defended Islamabad’s interpretation of the agreement. He stated that the Indus Waters Treaty remains legally valid and argued that it cannot be suspended, revoked or amended by one country acting alone.
Tarar said Pakistan’s legal arguments had received support in various international discussions and reiterated that the government considers water security a matter of national importance. He also referred to previous statements made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, who have described water as both the country’s lifeline and a critical national interest.
Reports Circulated Through Pakistani Media
The statements made during the press conference were widely reported by Pakistani news organisations, including Dawn, while video clips from the event were also shared across social media platforms. However, the authenticity of the circulated videos could not be independently verified.
The developments come as tensions over the future of the Indus Waters Treaty continue following India’s decision to suspend its participation in the agreement after the Pahalgam terror attack, adding another layer of complexity to relations between the two neighbouring countries.