“Pakistan gives India a historic and fitting response, warns that water aggression will be considered an act of war”
“Pakistan gives India a historic and fitting response, warns that water aggression will be considered an act of war”
Writer: Shayan Iqbal
PID, Peshawar. Pakistan has issued a strong warning to India, stating that any attempt to manipulate river flows or violate the Indus Waters Treaty will be treated not as a technical dispute, but as a hostile act—tantamount to a declaration of war. The Government of Pakistan has reaffirmed its resolve to respond not only diplomatically but also strategically, treating water security as a vital component of national defense.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, governs the distribution of river waters between India and Pakistan. Under this agreement, the three eastern rivers — Sutlej, Ravi, and Beas — were allocated to India, while the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab — were reserved for Pakistan. Although India is permitted limited use of the western rivers for hydroelectric and irrigation purposes, it is explicitly forbidden from altering their natural flow or building storage facilities that reduce Pakistan’s water share.
Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over several Indian hydropower projects, particularly the Kishanganga, Ratle, Baglihar, and Pakal Dul dams, which are being constructed in the Indian-administered region of Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad maintains that these projects violate the spirit of the Indus Waters Treaty by disrupting the natural flow of water into Pakistan. Repeated requests by Pakistan for third-party arbitration or neutral expert review have been met with reluctance from India, exacerbating tensions between the two nations.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the Ministry of Water Resources and the Indus Waters Commission, has formally submitted complaints to the World Bank and the United Nations. These submissions outline how India’s ongoing construction activities undermine the treaty and jeopardize the environmental and agricultural stability of Pakistan. National security bodies, including the National Security Committee and the Corps Commanders Conference, have also reviewed the matter. Military leadership has categorized India’s water policy as part of a hybrid warfare strategy and emphasized the need for comprehensive preparedness.
Experts warn that over 90% of Pakistan’s water is used for agriculture. Any disruption in river flows could severely impact critical crops such as wheat, rice, cotton, and sugarcane. Additionally, reduced water availability could lead to a sharp decline in groundwater levels, drinking water shortages in urban areas, and rapid desertification of fertile land. A recent United Nations report listed Pakistan among the top 10 countries at highest risk of severe water scarcity in the coming decade. In this context, India’s water aggression could act as a “slow poison” for Pakistan’s economy and environment.
There is bipartisan consensus in Pakistan on the gravity of the issue. Both the Senate and National Assembly have passed unanimous resolutions condemning India’s actions. Civil society, farmers’ associations, and environmentalists have urged the government to take robust international legal action while also launching domestic water conservation and management projects. Nationwide campaigns such as “Save Water, Save Pakistan” have begun to gain momentum, reflecting growing public concern.
The government plans to unveil a new national water policy in the coming months, which will include the construction of small and medium-sized dams, modernization of irrigation systems, and agricultural reforms. Legal preparations are also underway to present Pakistan’s case in international forums including the World Bank, the International Court of Justice, and the United Nations. According to the Indus Waters Commission, India has been formally cautioned that any attempt to block or manipulate river flows will be treated as a violation of international norms, meriting a firm and comprehensive response.
Water, often considered a symbol of life, is emerging as a critical flashpoint for conflict and peace in South Asia. Pakistan’s message is clear: if India attempts to weaponize water, the response will not be confined to words alone. For lasting regional peace, India must honor the Indus Waters Treaty in both letter and spirit—otherwise, this silent conflict could spiral into overt hostility.
