Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Friday expressed grave concern over India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that this move amounted to weaponizing water and could push Pakistan into a humanitarian emergency.
Speaking to the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, Dar highlighted abnormal and sudden changes in the flow of the River Chenab, caused by India’s unilateral water releases. These releases took place on two separate occasions—first from April 30 to May 21, 2025, and again between December 7 and 15, 2025. He emphasized that these actions came at a critical time for Pakistan’s agricultural calendar, directly affecting farmers, rural communities, and the country’s food security, while threatening the economic stability of millions.
Dar described India’s actions as unlawful and reckless, underlining the potential to create a large-scale humanitarian crisis. He also pointed out that India had ceased to provide advance notices, hydrological information, and data-sharing mechanisms as required under the Indus Waters Treaty. This breakdown in cooperation left Pakistan vulnerable to both flooding and water shortages, undermining the trust and predictability intended by the treaty.
Referring to India’s suspension of the treaty, Dar labeled it as a clear violation of international law, particularly Article 26 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. He further stated that Pakistan was facing “material breaches” that could destabilize the region and undermine the credibility of international legal commitments.
Dar revealed that India’s unilateral release of water into Pakistani rivers, without prior warning or sharing the necessary data, was a direct violation of the treaty’s provisions. In response, Pakistan’s Indus Waters Commissioner formally wrote to his Indian counterpart, urging clarification in line with the treaty’s protocols and requesting that India refrain from any further unilateral interference with river flows.
The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that India had consistently sought to weaken the treaty through various actions, including the construction of hydropower projects like Kishanganga and Ratle, which Pakistan believes violate the technical parameters of the treaty. India’s construction of dams, without regard for its treaty obligations, has created irreversible changes to water flow regulation, posing risks to Pakistan’s security, economy, and the livelihoods of over 240 million people.
Dar warned that allowing such violations to go unchecked would set a dangerous precedent. He highlighted India’s refusal to participate in the treaty’s dispute resolution system, which includes the Court of Arbitration and the Neutral Expert, further undermining the treaty.
Dar emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty remains a legally binding agreement, and any unilateral breach by India threatens its sanctity, posing serious risks to peace and stability in South Asia. He pointed to the rulings of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in June and August 2025, which reaffirmed the continued validity of the treaty and the binding nature of its dispute resolution mechanisms.
These rulings, Dar stated, made it clear that the treaty remains in force, and India’s non-compliance should not be ignored by the international community.
The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan’s National Security Committee had declared any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s share of water under the treaty as an “act of war.” Dar called on the global community to take notice and urged international partners to advise India to honor its treaty obligations and comply with international law.
He also highlighted that India’s confrontational statements suggested an intention to use water as leverage against Pakistan, a concern Pakistan had raised with the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary-General, and the President of the UN General Assembly.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to resolving disputes with India peacefully, but emphasized that Pakistan would not compromise on the fundamental water rights of its people.
Concluding his remarks, Dar appealed to the international community, particularly members of the UN Security Council, to take immediate action by urging India to restore the Indus Waters Treaty, end the use of water as a weapon, and honor its international commitments. He warned that any further steps by India that destabilize peace and security in South Asia would have far-reaching consequences.
