Pakistan Demands India Resume Indus Waters Treaty Implementation
Pakistan demands immediate resumption of Indus Waters Treaty implementation, backed by favorable Court of Arbitration ruling. India's unilateral suspension threatens regional water security.
Pakistani officials discuss the Indus Waters Treaty implementation at the Foreign Office in Islamabad
Pakistan Urges Immediate Restoration of Critical Water Agreement
In a decisive diplomatic move, Pakistan has called upon India to immediately resume the normal functioning of the Indus Waters Treaty, which New Delhi has held in abeyance since May. This development comes as tensions continue to mount over water rights and regional sovereignty.
Court of Arbitration Ruling Supports Pakistan's Position
The Foreign Office welcomed the Court of Arbitration's interpretation of the Treaty on August 8, which significantly reinforces Pakistan's stance. The ruling explicitly states that India must "let flow" the waters of the Western Rivers for Pakistan's unrestricted use, challenging India's unilateral suspension of the agreement.
This development holds particular significance as Pakistan continues to assert its territorial and resource rights against increasing regional pressures.
Strategic Implications for Pakistan's Water Security
The Court's decision specifically addresses the design criteria for new run-of-river hydropower projects on the Western Rivers (Chenab, Jhelum, and Indus). This ruling is crucial for Pakistan's national interests and sovereignty, particularly given India's recent attempts to modify existing water-sharing arrangements.
The Court has declared that specified exceptions for hydroelectric plants must conform strictly to Treaty requirements, rather than India's preferred "ideal" or "best practices" approach.
Pakistan's Commitment to Treaty Implementation
The Foreign Office emphasized Pakistan's unwavering commitment to fully implementing the Treaty, highlighting the nation's consistent stance on protecting its water rights. This position becomes especially crucial given India's recent decision to boycott the Court of Arbitration proceedings and its attempt to hold the Treaty in abeyance.
Hamza Qureshi
Hamza Qureshi is a journalist rooted in national identity, writing with a focus on Pakistan’s strategic interests and moral compass. His work highlights the nation’s Islamic heritage, supports the integrity of its institutions, and defends the Kashmiri cause with clarity and restraint. Without sensationalism, he navigates regional tensions with a firm yet composed voice.