Pakistan has raised the Indus Waters Treaty issue at a global conference, highlighting the growing water scarcity in the region and accusing India of violating the 1960 pact. The move underscores Islamabad's increasing anxiety over water security and its impact on agriculture and livelihoods.
Pakistan's Concerns at the Global Forum
During the conference, Pakistani officials presented data showing a significant reduction in water flow from the Indus River system, which they attribute to Indian projects on the western rivers. According to Pakistan, India's construction of dams and hydroelectric projects on the Chenab and Jhelum rivers violates the treaty's provisions. The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, allocates the waters of the Indus basin between the two countries.
"The treaty is being undermined by India's unilateral actions," said a Pakistani delegate at the conference. "We are facing a severe water crisis, and it is directly affecting our farmers and food production."
India's Position and Legal Framework
India has consistently maintained that its projects comply with the treaty's terms. The Indian government argues that the treaty allows for run-of-the-river hydroelectric projects without storage, and that all its projects undergo rigorous scrutiny. The Indus Waters Treaty includes a dispute resolution mechanism, but Pakistan has often sought international arbitration, citing delays in the process.
According to experts, the treaty has survived three wars and numerous tensions, but climate change and population growth are exacerbating water stress. A World Bank report states that the Indus basin is one of the most water-stressed regions globally, with per capita water availability dropping by 70% since 1947.
Impact on Pakistan's Agriculture and Economy
Water scarcity in Pakistan is already severe, with agriculture consuming over 90% of the country's water resources. The Indus River system provides water for 80% of Pakistan's irrigated land, which produces the majority of its food. A reduction in water flow could lead to crop failures, increased food imports, and economic instability.
"If the water flow continues to decline, Pakistan could face a humanitarian crisis," warned a water expert at the conference. "The treaty must be upheld to prevent conflict and ensure regional stability."
Global Implications and Next Steps
The issue has drawn attention from international organizations, with the World Bank reiterating its role as a guarantor of the treaty. However, the bank has faced criticism for not intervening more forcefully. Pakistan's move to raise the matter at a global conference aims to build international pressure on India to comply with the treaty's terms.
Next steps may include Pakistan invoking the treaty's arbitration clauses, which could lead to a neutral expert or a court of arbitration. The outcome could set a precedent for transboundary water disputes worldwide. As climate change intensifies, the Indus Waters Treaty remains a critical test of international cooperation on shared water resources.
