Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sherry Rehman has issued a stark warning, accusing India of actively weaponizing water resources against Pakistan. This serious allegation highlights a growing threat to Pakistan's water security and represents a clear violation of the longstanding Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).
A Grave Violation of the Indus Waters Treaty
Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Rehman emphasized that India's actions constitute a direct breach of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty. This historic agreement, brokered by the World Bank, governs the sharing of the Indus River and its tributaries between the two neighboring countries. Rehman specifically pointed to India's construction and operation of the Kishanganga Dam on the Neelum River as a prime example of this aggressive strategy.
She argued that by manipulating the flow of water, India is not merely engaging in a technical dispute but is employing water as a strategic tool. This move, she stated, threatens the livelihoods of millions of Pakistanis who depend on these rivers for agriculture, drinking water, and their very survival. The senator stressed that this is a matter of national security that requires an immediate and robust response.
The Urgent Call for Legal and Diplomatic Action
Senator Rehman did not limit her remarks to raising the alarm; she presented a clear course of action for the Pakistani government. She urged authorities to pursue all available legal and diplomatic channels to hold India accountable. This includes taking the matter to the World Bank, which is a guarantor of the Indus Waters Treaty, and exploring international arbitration options.
Her call to action underscores the need for Pakistan to proactively defend its water rights. She warned that passive diplomacy is no longer sufficient in the face of what she describes as a deliberate campaign to use water as a weapon. The situation demands a unified national stance and skilled diplomatic maneuvering to safeguard Pakistan's vital interests.
Broader Implications for Regional Stability
The warning from the senior PPP leader extends beyond bilateral relations. It touches on the core issues of climate vulnerability and regional stability. Pakistan is already one of the most water-stressed countries in the world, and any disruption to its share of the Indus basin waters could have catastrophic consequences for its economy and food security.
Rehman's statement brings a critical national issue back into the political spotlight, challenging the government to prioritize water security at the highest level of foreign policy. It serves as a reminder that transboundary water sharing is a potent geopolitical issue that can exacerbate tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors. The effective management of this dispute is crucial not only for Pakistan's prosperity but also for peace in South Asia.
As the debate continues, the focus will remain on how Pakistan's institutions respond to this serious challenge and what steps are taken to ensure the country's water rights are protected under international law.
