A new Ecological Threat Report has revealed that Pakistan, with nearly 80% of its agriculture dependent on water from the Indus River Basin, faces the risk of a severe water crisis. The Ecological Threat Report 2025 by the Australian think tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) states that India, within its technical capacity, could alter the flow of the Indus River, which would have a significant impact on Pakistan.
India’s one step could drain Pakistan
India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, making it possible to alter the flow of water. Pakistan only has the capacity to store water for 30 days, increasing the risk of seasonal water shortages.
A new Ecological Threat Report 2025 claims that Pakistan, whose approximately 80% of agriculture depends on water from the Indus River Basin, is facing the threat of a severe water crisis. The ‘Ecological Threat Report 2025’ by the Australian think-tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) states that India, within its technical capabilities, could alter the flow of water from the Indus River, which would have a major impact on Pakistan.
What Changed Pakistan’s Fate? – Indus Water Treaty Suspension
The Ecological Threat Report comes at a time when India suspended the 1960 Indus Water Treaty (IWT) after the Pahalgam terror attack in April, carried out by Pakistani terrorists. With the treaty suspended, India is no longer bound by its water-sharing terms with Pakistan and can freely redirect the river’s flow.
What was 1960 Treaty?
Under the 1960 treaty, India agreed to allow the flow of water from the western rivers—the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—to Pakistan, while retaining the rights to use water from the eastern rivers—the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej.
Report on Pakistan’s capability of storing water
According to the study, India cannot completely stop the flow of water. However, even slight changes in dam operations or minor construction during crucial periods like summer could affect Pakistan’s water supply. The densely populated regions near the dam are almost 80% dependent on agriculture sustained by Indus River water. The report also notes that Pakistan can store only about 30 days’ worth of water, putting it at high risk of seasonal shortages.
