Indus Waters Treaty: Pakistan PM Vows to Protect Water Rights Amidst Indian Actions

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, has responded to India’s recent actions concerning the Indus Waters Treaty with a strong warning, stating that any obstruction of water flow to Pakistan would be considered a violation of the treaty and would trigger a forceful reaction. Addressing an event in Islamabad, Sharif made it clear that Pakistan would not tolerate any attempt by India to seize its water resources. He emphasized that water is a fundamental resource for Pakistan and that the nation would not yield on its rights as protected by international agreements. This strong stance follows India’s decision to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, a move prompted by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The 1960 treaty, facilitated by the World Bank, is a critical agreement that outlines the allocation of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to Pakistan, and the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers to India, along with specific allowances for each country’s use of the others’ allocated rivers. Under the terms of the treaty, India is entitled to 20 percent of the water from the Indus River System, and Pakistan receives the remaining 80 percent. The agreement has been hailed for its endurance through periods of conflict, while at times drawing criticism for being too favorable to Pakistan.