Pakistan has expressed grave concerns about India’s reported suspension and reinterpretation attempts in connection with the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) which it has described as an “real threat to regional stability” at an important European Union forum. At the forum the Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Ishaq Dar warned that reversing or destroying the water-sharing agreement could have profound implications for peace and cooperation as well as sustainability across South Asia.
The Indus Waters Treaty signed in 1960, with World Bank facilitation, has been widely regarded as to be one of the longest-lasting international frameworks for sharing water. It allocates the rivers of the eastern region towards India while transferring the west river to Pakistan and establishes procedures for dispute resolution and joint management. In spite of the occasional political conflict between the two nations, the treaty has been in effect longer than 6 years.
Dar said to the audience that any decision to delay, suspend or violate treaty obligations would create uncertainty in a fragile regional ecosystem. Dar warned that unilateral actions concerning shared water resources are likely to increase doubt and could negatively impact thousands of individuals whose lives depend upon the water system. According to Dar keeping the mechanisms of the treaty is crucial not just to ensure Pakistan’s water security but as well for the resilience of the regional climate.
The foreign minister emphasized the fact that South Asia is South Asian region is among the regions most susceptible to climate change, and faces increasing dangers such as melting glaciers and erratic patterns of rainfall as well as water scarcity. In this light the need for cooperative water management is more crucial. Dar asked international stakeholders as well as the EU to ensure continued respect for existing agreements and promote the dialogue of Islamabad as well as New Delhi.
European officials and experts who attended the forum acknowledged the treaty as a unique instance of cooperation that has been sustained between two nuclear-armed neighbours. A number of speakers mentioned that the IWT is frequently widely cited as a model for solving disputes over transboundary water. They highlighted that preserving these frameworks is crucial in a period when global warming is causing a heightened the competition for shared resources across the globe.
Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s view that the IWT includes clear rules to address technical issues and disagreements through arbitration, or independent expert review. Dar also said that the absence of these mechanisms may weaken the long-standing diplomatic arrangements that prevented water disputes from becoming more extensive conflict.
Analysts attending the discussion noted that the issue has received more attention from the world because of recent developments and statements by both parties. While India claims that its activities are within the bounds of the treaty, Pakistan has called for greater transparency and compliance with dispute resolution procedures.
The participants in the EU forum stressed that ongoing communications and engagement with institutions remain the most effective strategies to deal with differences. Experts suggested that the joint monitoring process, and current technical coordination can help to reduce friction and increase mutual advantages.
Dar concluded his speech by stating that Pakistan is still determined to engage peacefully in the process and to treaty-based options. Dar expressed his hopes that regional partners and the international community will promote constructive dialogue and ensure that the Indus Waters Treaty is able to be an enabling force instead of an issue of dispute.
The session concluded by urging for a sustained diplomacy, respect for institutions and acknowledgment of the significance of the treaty in ensuring stability throughout the region during the midst of rising environmental and political pressures.