Minister Affirms Indus Water as Lifeline for 240 Million Pakistanis
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday asserted that Pakistan's 240 million people hold an "inalienable right" to the waters of the Indus River, describing water as "not simply a resource, it is a matter of life itself." Addressing the inaugural session of an international seminar titled 'The Indus Waters Treaty: A Key Instrument for Peace and Regional Stability' at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad, Tarar emphasized that the treaty represents the lifeline of the nation, not merely a diplomatic document.
Historical and Economic Significance of the Indus
Tarar highlighted that Pakistan's history is deeply intertwined with the Indus River, which sustains the country's agriculture-based economy. He noted that the Indus Valley Civilisation represents Pakistan's "true identity" and that the river has supported great civilizations for millennia. The Indus River network, comprising the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej, forms the backbone of Pakistan's agricultural sector, fulfilling 23 percent of the country's agricultural water needs and directly supporting nearly 68 percent of rural livelihoods.
Warning Against Unilateral Treaty Suspension
Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan, Tarar called it a "historic agreement between two countries" that cannot be suspended unilaterally. He warned that "any attempt to divert or stop Pakistan's water would be met decisively." The minister stated, "The weaponisation of water undermines regional peace, stability and cooperation. International agreements cannot be suspended or disregarded at convenience. Respect for treaties is indispensable for maintaining confidence among nations and preserving global order."
India's Stance and Recent Developments
Relations between the two nations have deteriorated following India's revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special autonomy in 2019 and the Pahalgam attack in 2025. In April 2025, India suspended the treaty in response to the attack. In early June 2026, Indian Water Minister Chandrakant Raghunath Patil told media that India was strategizing to disrupt Indus River flow into Pakistan, a move backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patil stated, "It is certain, not a single drop of water will go (to Pakistan) in the coming years." Pakistan has warned against such measures.
Pakistan's Commitment to Dialogue and Legal Recourse
Tarar reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue but stressed that if water is stopped, the national leadership is resolved to respond effectively to restore water for the people. "We will do all that we can at all international forums, legally and otherwise, to ensure that the right to water of the Pakistani people is protected," he said. He added that Pakistan remains firm in protecting the livelihoods and lives linked to the Indus River.
Technical Aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty
The IWT, facilitated by the World Bank, grants India control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas—while Pakistan controls the western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab. India is bound to allow western river waters to flow into Pakistan, with exceptions for limited hydroelectric projects that must be "run-of-the-river" and not significantly alter flow or storage. Pakistan receives roughly 80 percent of the Indus system's water, with India allocated about 3.3 crore acre-feet out of 16.8 crore acre-feet. Pakistan's storage capacity is limited, with major dams like Mangla and Tarbela holding only 14.4 million acre-feet live storage—about 10 percent of its annual entitlement.
Impact of Water Disruption on Pakistan
Any disruption to water supply could trigger reduced crop yields, food insecurity, and economic instability, especially in regions already burdened by poverty and financial crisis. Pakistan's dependence on the Indus is profound, with the river system sustaining tens of millions of people. The treaty allows India to develop 13.4 lakh acres of irrigation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, but currently only 6.42 lakh acres are irrigated. India may store up to 3.60 million acre-feet from western rivers, though little storage infrastructure exists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Conclusion: Pakistan's Resolve to Protect Water Rights
Tarar concluded that Pakistan will pursue the issue at international forums and remains determined to protect the right to water for its people. He emphasized that "rivers should connect nations, not divide them," and called for respect for international agreements to maintain global order and confidence among nations.
