Indus Waters Treaty Cannot Be Suspended Unilaterally, Say Experts at International Seminar

Water is more than a natural resource—it is essential for food security, energy production, economic stability, and human survival. Speaking at an international seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), legal experts, policymakers, and former officials warned that any unilateral suspension or violation of the treaty would be contrary to international law and could set a dangerous precedent for global peace.

The speakers stressed that using water as a political or strategic weapon threatens regional stability and undermines one of the world's most successful water-sharing agreements.

Indus Waters Treaty Was Designed to Resolve Water Disputes Peacefully

According to the participants, the Indus Waters Treaty was established to provide a peaceful mechanism for resolving water disputes between two nuclear-armed neighbors.

They emphasized that the treaty includes a comprehensive legal framework for dispute resolution. Under Article IX, if both countries fail to resolve an issue through bilateral discussions, the matter can be referred to international arbitration.

The speakers noted that Pakistan has previously approached international arbitration forums twice over India's disputed hydropower projects. In both cases, it was made clear that India cannot unilaterally suspend or terminate the treaty.

Concerns Over Compliance With Treaty Obligations

The seminar highlighted that both countries are obligated under the treaty to exchange accurate and timely information regarding river flows.

However, speakers stated that India has not fully complied with this obligation since August 2023, raising concerns about transparency and treaty implementation.

They also alleged that India is violating the treaty through measures such as:

Attempting to divert the flow of the Chenab River.
Pursuing projects like the Chenab-Beas link.
Taking actions that are not permitted under the Indus Waters Treaty.

Participants stressed that Pakistan, as the lower riparian state, remains highly dependent on uninterrupted river flows.

Water Is a Basic Human Right

The seminar underscored that access to water, food, and a clean environment are fundamental human rights.

According to the speakers, keeping the Indus Waters Treaty in what they described as an "ineffective" state would amount to a clear violation of international law. They maintained that Pakistan will not compromise on its share of water and has already raised the issue at the United Nations and other relevant international forums.

Impact on Pakistan Could Be Severe

Experts warned that any unilateral alteration of river flows could have serious consequences for Pakistan.

More than 90% of Pakistan's agriculture depends on river water.
Twenty-one major hydropower projects rely on the Indus river system.
Millions of people could be affected through reduced agricultural production, energy shortages, and economic challenges.

The speakers argued that restricting water supplies or manipulating river flows could place large populations at risk of food insecurity and economic hardship.

Call for Legal Cooperation Instead of Escalation

The seminar also touched on the situation following the Pahalgam incident.

Speakers stated that Jammu and Kashmir remains an internationally recognized dispute and argued that, following the incident, India should have pursued cooperation and information-sharing with Pakistan in accordance with international legal principles rather than escalating tensions.

Khurram Dastgir Khan: Water Should Never Become a Weapon

Former Federal Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan said India has been using water as a strategic tool and noted that Indian leaders have publicly made statements about depriving Pakistan of water.

He claimed that since April 2025, India has repeatedly violated the Indus Waters Treaty by:

Holding back water at certain times.
Releasing large volumes suddenly, contributing to flood situations in Pakistan.
Creating conditions that have affected millions of people.

He added that deliberately withholding water and exposing civilian populations to food shortages and economic hardship would constitute a serious violation of international law.

Khurram Dastgir urged the international community to take notice of the growing trend of using water as a weapon and to play an effective role in preventing it.

A Treaty That Has Endured for Decades

Participants noted that the Indus Waters Treaty is regarded as one of the world's most successful international water agreements.

Despite periods of political tension, the treaty has helped maintain water cooperation between both countries for more than six decades. They emphasized that the agreement contains no provision allowing either party to withdraw or suspend it unilaterally.

Conclusion

The seminar concluded with a unified message: full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty, transparent sharing of hydrological information, and strict adherence to international law remain essential for preserving peace, water security, and mutual trust in South Asia.

The speakers agreed that cooperation over shared water resources—not confrontation—is the only sustainable path toward long-term regional stability.