Is Pakistan Facing a Water Crisis Due to Indus Treaty Suspension?
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Synopsis
With the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty by India, Pakistan's water crisis deepens. Senator Syed Ali Zafar issues a heartfelt plea to the government, emphasizing the dire need to address this looming catastrophe. Can urgent action be taken to avert hunger and sustain life in Pakistan?
Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's water crisis is escalating due to treaty suspension.
- Senator Syed Ali Zafar's urgent appeal highlights the severity of the situation.
- India insists on national security before resuming treaty obligations.
- Diplomatic efforts are critical to avoid humanitarian issues.
- The future of agriculture in Pakistan hinges on water security.
Islamabad, May 23 (NationPress) Acknowledging that the nation is confronting a significant water crisis, a Pakistani senator made an urgent appeal on Friday to the Shehbaz Sharif administration to "defuse" the "water bomb" looming over the country after India put the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on hold, following the tragic April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent civilians.
"If we do not address the water crisis immediately, we would perish from hunger. The Indus Basin is our lifeline; three-fourths of our water originates from outside our borders, and 90% of our population relies on the Indus water basin for their sustenance. Almost all of our agricultural production and energy projects depend on this water. This situation is akin to a water bomb hovering over us, and it is imperative to neutralize it," stated Pakistan Senator Syed Ali Zafar during a Senate Session on Friday.
The Indus Water Treaty, established in 1960, regulates the distribution of water from six rivers—Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej—between India and Pakistan.
Concerned Islamabad has been pressing New Delhi to reverse its decision regarding the treaty's suspension, with the National Security Committee (NSC) of Pakistan and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar making alarming and unfounded claims in recent weeks.
However, invoking its national security interests, India has made it clear that the treaty will stay in abeyance until Islamabad "credibly and irrevocably" ceases its support for cross-border terrorism.
This decision was supported by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), the highest authority on strategic matters, right after the Pahalgam terror attack, marking the first instance where New Delhi has paused this World Bank-mediated agreement.
As India initiated Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized the government's unyielding stance that "water and blood cannot flow together" and "terror and talks cannot coexist".
"I want to reiterate that any bilateral discussions on Jammu and Kashmir will solely concern the withdrawal of illegally occupied Indian territory by Pakistan. Regarding the Indus Waters Treaty, I emphasize that it will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably renounces its support for cross-border terrorism. As our Prime Minister has stated, "water and blood cannot flow together, trade and terror also cannot coexist"," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing in New Delhi on Thursday.
On the same day, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's strong opposition to terrorism, asserting that there would be no negotiations or trade with Islamabad unless it relinquishes its illegal occupation of Kashmir.
"If dialogue is to occur, it will be regarding Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). If Pakistan continues to export terrorism, it will be left pleading for every resource. It will not receive a single drop of Indian water," he declared while addressing a large public gathering in Bikaner, Rajasthan, on Thursday.
PM Modi also underscored that "playing with the blood of Indians will have severe consequences for Pakistan".
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the gravity of the situation regarding Pakistan's water resources. The ongoing tensions surrounding the Indus Waters Treaty require careful navigation to ensure national interests are safeguarded while striving for diplomatic resolution. It is imperative for the government to prioritize dialogue and find sustainable solutions to avert a humanitarian crisis.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indus Waters Treaty?
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, is a bilateral agreement between India and Pakistan that governs the sharing of water from six rivers: Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Why did India suspend the Indus Waters Treaty?
India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, citing national security concerns and Pakistan's alleged support for cross-border terrorism.
What are the implications of the treaty's suspension?
The treaty's suspension poses a significant risk to Pakistan's water security, potentially threatening agricultural production and overall food security in the country.
What is Pakistan's response to the treaty's suspension?
Pakistan has urged India to reconsider its decision and has expressed concerns over the looming water crisis that could result from the suspension.
What actions is India taking regarding this issue?
India has emphasized that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan takes credible steps to end its support for terrorism, asserting that both water and security are non-negotiable.
