The Pakistani government has been in a state of panic since India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty. It has been issuing a continuous statements and has even raised the issue with the United Nations. In the latest development, the Pakistani government alleged on Thursday that the flow of water in the Chenab River is steadily decreasing. Expressing concern, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry said that a letter has been written to India regarding the matter.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, stated that there is a “sudden variation” in the flow of water in the Chenab River. He claimed, citing Pakistani media reports, that India has also released water into the Chenab River without prior warning. Andrabi emphasised that Pakistan is taking this change in the Chenab River’s water flow very seriously and with great concern.
Andrabi said, “Our Indus Water Commissioner has written a letter to his Indian counterpart and sought clarification on this matter. This process is part of the Indus Waters Treaty.” He added, “Any manipulation of water flow by India, especially during the crucial farming season, would endanger the lives, economic security, and livelihoods of the people.” The Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson demanded that India respond to its letter.
Indus Waters Treaty suspended after Pahalgam attack
Pakistan has once again raised concerns about the Indus Waters Treaty, calling it a binding international agreement and an important mechanism for ensuring stability and security in the region. Under the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, the waters of the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers were allocated to Pakistan, while India was allotted the waters of three other rivers. Following Pakistan’s continued support for terrorist activities in Kashmir, India reiterated that water and bloodshed cannot coexist. Against this backdrop, India took the decision to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that killed 26.
Andrabi also appealed to the international community to pressure India to abide by the Indus Waters Treaty. He said, “Pakistan is committed to the peaceful resolution of disputes with India. But we will not compromise on the water rights of our people.” Notably, Pakistan had earlier termed India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, an act of war. Pakistan claimed that India had no right to unilaterally suspend the treaty.
