Pakistan Raises Concerns Over India’s Unilateral Actions on Floods, Citing Indus Water Treaty

Pakistan has expressed strong reservations over India’s decision to bypass the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) on floods, citing concerns over the impact on water sharing and management between the two countries. The IWT, signed in 1960, is a water-distribution treaty between India and Pakistan that aims to regulate the use of water from the Indus River and its tributaries. Pakistan has long been concerned about India’s construction of dams and water storage facilities on the Indus River, which it believes could disrupt the natural flow of water and affect its agricultural sector. The latest development has further strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, who have a long history of disputes over water sharing. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has summoned the Indian High Commissioner to express its concerns over the matter. The Indian government has defended its actions, saying that it is taking measures to prevent flooding in its own territory. However, Pakistan argues that such actions are in violation of the IWT and could have severe consequences for its own water security. The dispute has sparked a heated debate over the interpretation of the IWT, with both countries presenting their own versions of the treaty’s provisions. Pakistan has called for a meeting of the Indus Waters Commission to discuss the issue and find a resolution. The commission, which comprises representatives from both countries, is responsible for implementing the IWT and resolving disputes related to water sharing. The World Bank, which facilitated the signing of the IWT, has also been approached by Pakistan to intervene in the matter. The bank has expressed its willingness to help resolve the dispute, but India has so far refused to engage in talks. The dispute has significant implications for the region, where water scarcity is a major concern. Pakistan is heavily dependent on the Indus River for its agricultural sector, which accounts for a significant portion of its economy. Any disruption to the natural flow of water could have severe consequences for the country’s food security. The issue has also sparked concerns over the potential for conflict between the two countries, which have a history of tensions over water sharing. The international community has called for calm and restraint, urging both countries to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute. The United States, China, and other major powers have expressed their concern over the situation, calling for a peaceful resolution. The European Union has also weighed in on the issue, urging both countries to respect the provisions of the IWT. As the dispute continues to escalate, there are fears that it could have far-reaching consequences for the region. The situation is being closely monitored by the international community, which is urging both countries to find a peaceful resolution. In the meantime, Pakistan has vowed to take all necessary measures to protect its water rights, while India has defended its actions as necessary to prevent flooding. The dispute is a reminder of the complex and sensitive nature of water sharing between countries, and the need for careful management and cooperation to prevent conflicts. The IWT has been hailed as a model for water sharing agreements, but the current dispute highlights the challenges of implementing such agreements in practice. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved, and what implications it will have for the region.

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