ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held an urgent briefing for the diplomatic corps on Thursday evening, raising concerns about India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty that Islamabad says threatens peace, stability, and the livelihoods of millions in South Asia.
The foreign minister highlighted India’s “unilateral abeyance” in April 2025 of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) between the two countries, calling it a gross contravention of international law, including Article 26 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, according to a press release issued by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday.
He said that India’s actions have escalated to material breaches of the treaty, citing abrupt variations in the flow of the River Chenab during April-May 2025 and December 7-15, 2025, which Pakistan attributes to unilateral water releases by India without prior notification or data sharing, as required under the treaty.
The briefing noted that Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner had written to his Indian counterpart seeking clarification on these recent variations.
‘Weaponization of water’
The foreign minister emphasized that these actions exemplify what Pakistan considers the “weaponization of water,” threatening agriculture, food security, economic stability, and the livelihoods of Pakistani citizens.
According to the minister, India has repeatedly sought to undermine the IWT, including by constructing hydropower projects such as Kishanganga and Ratle, which Pakistan says violate the treaty’s technical specifications.
India is also accused of halting the sharing of hydrological data and joint oversight, increasing risks of floods and droughts in Pakistan.
The minister warned that India’s conduct contravenes international human rights and humanitarian law and could trigger a humanitarian crisis, while undermining progress on the Sustainable Development Goals on poverty and hunger.
He also criticized India for refusing to participate in the treaty’s dispute resolution mechanisms, including proceedings before the Court of Arbitration and Neutral Expert.
Pakistan reiterated that the IWT is a binding legal instrument vital to regional peace and stability.
The minister cited recent rulings by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in June and August 2025, which reaffirmed the treaty’s validity and binding dispute-resolution mechanisms.
He also referenced communications from UN Special Procedures and Mandate Holders expressing concerns about India’s actions, which were made public on Dec. 15.
The briefing further noted India’s June 21 declaration by its Home Minister, stating that India would “never” restore the treaty and intended to divert waters to Rajasthan via a new canal.
‘Water is life’
Pakistan’s National Security Committee has reportedly declared that any attempt to block or divert water under the treaty would be considered an “Act of War.”
The foreign minister underscored the potential human rights impact of India’s actions, including threats to the rights to work, livelihood, water, food, adequate living standards, and a clean environment.
He called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to address the situation and urged diplomats to advocate for the restoration of the treaty, an end to the “weaponization of water,” and adherence to international law.
“Water is life and cannot be weaponized,” he concluded, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution while insisting that it will not compromise on the water rights of its people.
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