Pakistan Geo News: India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty
The suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty has significant implications for Pakistan, which relies heavily on the Indus River and its tributaries for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower. The treaty's suspension has raised concerns about the potential for water scarcity and damage to Pakistan's agricultural sector. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, chairman of the Pakistan People's Party, has threatened India that if it stops the flow of the Indus River water, "Indian blood will flow."
India has suspended the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, a major agreement governing water sharing of six rivers in the Indus basin between India and Pakistan, following a recent attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The treaty had been in place for over 60 years, allocating 80% of the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab rivers to Pakistan, while India was allocated the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers.
The suspension of the treaty means India is no longer required to share hydrological data with Pakistan, which is crucial for flood forecasting and planning. Experts say India lacks the infrastructure to hold back or divert large volumes of water from the western rivers, but it can modify existing infrastructure or build new ones to do so without informing Pakistan. This has raised concerns about the potential for "water bombing," where the upstream country temporarily holds back water and then releases it suddenly, causing massive damage downstream.
Pakistan has objected to some of India's hydropower and water infrastructure projects, arguing they would reduce river flows and violate the treaty. The dispute over the Indus Waters Treaty is part of a broader conflict between India and Pakistan, which have been at odds over issues like cross-border terrorism and Kashmir. The suspension of the treaty has been met with reciprocal measures from Pakistan, which has warned India that stopping water flow "will be considered as an Act of War."
The situation between India and Pakistan is volatile, with tensions escalating after the Pahalgam incident in India. Both countries need to exercise maximum restraint and give diplomacy a chance, as another war would be devastating. The Indian media should also reconsider its approach to Pakistan, as its hyper-nationalistic rhetoric can have detrimental effects on regional peace. A just solution to the Kashmir issue is necessary for peace, and India needs to accept this reality.