Pakistan Warns of Consequences Over Indus Waters Amid Escalating Diplomatic Row

Pakistan's Climate Change Minister Musadik Malik on Monday made strong remarks over the Indus Waters Treaty, warning that Pakistan would respond firmly to any attempt to deprive the country of what it considers its share of water. Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Malik accused India of trying to control water flows and claimed that such actions threatened Pakistan's food security, employment and economy. His remarks come amid continuing tensions between the two neighbours over the decades-old water-sharing agreement.

Addressing reporters, Malik alleged that India was attempting to restrict water flowing into Pakistan and said millions of Pakistanis depended on the Indus river system for agriculture and livelihoods. He argued that nearly half of Pakistan's population relies on the agricultural sector, making uninterrupted access to water critical for the country's economy. Referring to Pakistan's position, the minister said the country would protect its water rights and issued a warning that anyone attempting to take Pakistan's share of water would face severe consequences.

Malik also questioned whether an upper riparian country had the right to stop water flowing to a lower riparian nation, arguing that international conventions generally allow such rivers to continue flowing even in the absence of a formal treaty. He maintained that the Indus Waters Treaty remains in force and said Pakistan intended to present its case before the international community, asserting that access to water is a matter of justice and a fundamental right for downstream populations.

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At the same press conference, Attaullah Tarar defended Pakistan's legal position, stating that the Indus Waters Treaty cannot be suspended, revoked or amended unilaterally. He said the agreement remains legally binding and claimed Pakistan's stance has received international support. Tarar also reiterated earlier statements by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir that water remains Pakistan's "lifeline" and a "red line."

The remarks come after India placed the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam in 2025, in which 26 civilians were killed. New Delhi has maintained that the treaty will remain suspended until Pakistan takes verifiable action against cross-border terrorism originating from its territory. Earlier, Union Water Resources Minister C. R. Patil said India intends to fully utilise its allocated share of Indus waters within the next one-and-a-half to two years and that no water meant for India would flow into Pakistan.

Brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, the Indus Waters Treaty has governed the sharing of the Indus river system between India and Pakistan for more than six decades and has long been regarded as one of the most enduring bilateral agreements between the two countries. However, the treaty has become a renewed point of contention following the deterioration in relations after the 2025 terror attack, with both sides maintaining sharply different positions on its future and implementation.

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