ISLAMABAD: India has warned Pakistan of a possible flood release under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in case of war conflict. The warning referenced the Tawi River near Jammu and was communicated by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on August 24, 1949.
Following this, Pakistani authorities issued alerts using the Indian information. The IWT, signed in 1960 with World Bank facilitation, governs water sharing of Indus basin rivers. Despite political tensions and disputes, the treaty remains the main framework for water conflict resolution between the two nations.
India maintains its hydroelectric projects comply with the treaty, while Pakistan accuses India of reducing its water share through upstream dams. Pakistan argues diversion of water would be considered an act of war.
The treaty has survived wars and conflicts, with dispute mechanisms provided. Recently, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in Pakistan’s favor regarding India’s Kishanganga and Ratle projects.
Experts warn that interference with water flow could damage Pakistan’s agriculture, raise costs, and worsen food insecurity amid climate change and declining rainfall.
