DUSHANBE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a stern warning to India, declaring that Pakistan will not permit any violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), which he described as a "red line" for the nation. Speaking at the High-Level International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, Sharif condemned India's unilateral suspension of the treaty, emphasizing the potential threat to millions of lives.
"India’s unilateral and illegal decision to hold in abeyance the Indus Water Treaty, which governs the sharing of the Indus Basin’s water, is deeply regrettable," Sharif stated. "Millions of lives must not be held hostage to narrow political gains, and Pakistan will not allow this. We will never allow the red line to be crossed."
The IWT, signed in 1960, allocates control over the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to Pakistan, while India retains rights over the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. India's recent suspension of the treaty followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which New Delhi attributes to Pakistan-based groups.
In response to the suspension, India has reportedly taken measures affecting water flow, including unannounced releases from the Uri Dam into the Jhelum River and the closure of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River. These actions have raised concerns in Pakistan about potential flooding and water shortages.
Sharif's remarks underscore the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors over water rights and regional security. He called on the international community to recognize the gravity of the situation and to support efforts to uphold the treaty's provisions.
"Water is Pakistan's red line, and we will not allow any compromise on this basic right of 240 million Pakistanis," Sharif asserted.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the broader implications of the treaty's suspension, noting that it threatens not only bilateral relations but also regional stability and environmental sustainability. He urged India to reconsider its stance and to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute amicably.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, aware that any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences for South Asia and beyond
