Pakistan Urges India to Reconsider Suspension of Indus Water Treaty as Tensions Escalate
Following India’s decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) in the wake of the 22nd April Pahalgam terrorist attack, Pakistan initially reacted with threats, declaring that the flow of the Indus River would either continue or “blood would be spilled.” However, nearly three weeks after the attack and Operation Sindoor, Pakistan’s stance appears to have softened. What was once a defiant Pakistan is now seeking to persuade India to reconsider its decision to suspend the treaty.
In an official letter, Pakistan’s Ministry of Water Resources has urged India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti to revisit its decision to suspend the treaty. The letter expressed Pakistan’s concerns that such a move could cause significant crises within the country. Pakistan has raised objections on legal grounds, questioning the suspension, as the treaty contains no provision for unilateral withdrawal.
India’s Firm Stance
Indian officials, when contacted, declined to comment officially on the matter, but sources indicated that India has no intention of altering its position. They reaffirmed that the decision to suspend the treaty was a response to cross-border terrorism, which has been continuously targeting Jammu and Kashmir. In an earlier letter dated 24th April, India had informed Pakistan that its refusal to engage in talks and its ongoing support for terrorism was a breach of the treaty. India further declared that it would no longer share flood warning data with Pakistan.
Timing of Pakistan’s Appeal
The timing of Pakistan’s appeal is significant, as India had previously requested a review and revision of the IWT in January 2023 and again in September 2024, but received no response from Islamabad. However, following the suspension of the treaty and the military operation, Pakistan has shown a willingness to address the issue.
The Indus Water Treaty: A Historical Perspective
The Indus Water Treaty, signed on 19th September 1960 between India and Pakistan, divided the six rivers of the Indus River System. Under the treaty, Pakistan was allocated water from three western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab), while India controlled the waters of the three eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej). This division has allowed Pakistan to access approximately 80% of the river system’s water, with India controlling about 20%.
After the Pahalgam attack, India’s first step in retaliating was the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty. Pakistan’s agriculture and power projects are heavily reliant on this water, with nearly 80% of the country’s agriculture and 30% of its power generation depending on the Indus River system. The halt of water flow would severely affect Pakistan’s economy and agricultural output.
Impact of India’s Decision on Pakistan
India’s decision to suspend the treaty is likely to have far-reaching effects on Pakistan. Pakistan’s letter highlighted the vulnerability of its agricultural economy, where millions of people depend on water from the rivers controlled under the treaty. The move is seen as a direct attack on Pakistan’s people and economy.
The Indus River system is critical to Pakistan, supporting almost 80% of its arable land, which translates to 16 million hectares of agricultural land. Beyond agriculture, the water is essential for urban consumption and hydropower projects in cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Multan. A reduction in water supply would exacerbate Pakistan’s water scarcity, especially since the country already faces significant water stress. It would also have a devastating impact on the economy and quality of life in these cities.
In summary, Pakistan’s appeal for India to reconsider its decision highlights the growing tension surrounding the Indus Water Treaty and the consequences of India’s actions on Pakistan’s economy and water security.
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