Pakistan has strongly criticized India’s unilateral decision to suspend the Indus Water Treaty, calling it illegal and provocative. Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo warned that India’s move lacks legal backing and could be interpreted as an act of war.
Treaty Still Legally Binding
At a seminar on Saturday in Lahore, Wattoo stressed that India’s use of the term “holding in abeyance” has no legal basis. “This term doesn’t exist in the treaty or in international law,” he said. “The Indus Water Treaty remains valid. It cannot be unilaterally suspended, modified, or cancelled.”
Wattoo added that Pakistan remains open to negotiations. In response to India’s letter dated April 8 seeking treaty modifications, Pakistan had expressed willingness to engage in talks. However, India abruptly announced the suspension of the treaty on April 24, before the May 8 deadline for Pakistan’s response.
Read: Pakistan Condemns India’s Water Aggression at UN, Urges Global Action
No Compromise on Water Rights
Calling water Pakistan’s “lifeline,” Wattoo asserted that any attempt to unilaterally undermine the treaty amounts to aggression. He emphasized that Pakistan will not compromise on its water rights and remains committed to resolving disputes through legal and diplomatic means.
Experts Warn of Dangerous Precedents
Former Indus Water Commissioner Asif Baig noted that India’s upstream location on the Indus River doesn’t grant it the right to disrupt water flow. He warned that if India abuses its position, upstream countries like China could retaliate by blocking water to India. “Such actions risk undermining global water treaties,” he said.
Former commissioner Sheraz Memon added that India lacks the infrastructure to completely control river flows to Pakistan. He pointed out that the treaty has survived wars and political tensions and should continue to do so.
Call for Collective Provincial Action
Wattoo also called on Pakistan’s provinces to collaborate on internal water management. He urged them to form expert committees and build consensus, reducing inter-provincial conflicts over water sharing.
Former Punjab irrigation minister Mohsin Laghari warned that allowing one-sided treaty suspensions could destroy the integrity of all international agreements.
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