ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to protect its water rights, warning that any effort to block or divert the country’s share of water would be met with a firm and effective response.
Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad on Tuesday, the minister described the agreement as a cornerstone of regional stability and emphasized that Pakistan would defend its provisions under all circumstances. He said turning water into a political or strategic tool would endanger peace and security across the region.
Tarar highlighted the significance of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, calling it one of the world’s longest-standing and most successful agreements governing the sharing of transboundary rivers. He stressed that the treaty represents far more than a legal framework, describing it as vital to the livelihoods and future of Pakistan’s 240 million people.
He noted that agriculture, a key pillar of Pakistan’s economy, depends heavily on the Indus River system, adding that the country’s history and development have always been closely tied to its waters. According to the minister, Pakistan remains committed to dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and honoring international agreements.
Referring to India’s decision to place the treaty in abeyance after the April 2025 attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Tarar said any amendment to the agreement requires the consent of both countries. He argued that unilateral actions undermine international commitments and have drawn criticism in global forums.
Addressing the seminar, Russian expert Dr. Roxolana Zigon said international law does not provide for the unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. She described the agreement as a globally recognized model for equitable water sharing that has survived decades of political tensions between Pakistan and India.
Dr. Zigon pointed out that more than 90 percent of Pakistan’s agriculture relies on river water, while 21 major hydropower projects are connected to the Indus basin. She warned that upstream dam construction and attempts to use water as a political instrument could increase regional instability and weaken confidence in international legal frameworks.
She also praised the Permanent Indus Commission as an effective platform for resolving water-related disputes and stressed that preserving the treaty is essential for maintaining peace and cooperation in South Asia.
The seminar also recalled the armed conflict between Pakistan and India in May 2025, which followed New Delhi’s allegations against Islamabad over the Kashmir attack. After 87 hours of fighting, a ceasefire was reached through US mediation. During the conflict, Pakistan said it shot down eight Indian fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets, as well as dozens of drones.
