Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif of Pakistan has issued a strong statement concerning India’s recent actions related to the Indus Waters Treaty. He warned that any attempt to impede the flow of water to Pakistan would be considered a serious violation of the treaty, prompting a strong reaction from Pakistan. Addressing a gathering in Islamabad, Sharif underscored Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding its water resources, vowing that Pakistan would not allow any external entity to deprive it of this vital resource. He further emphasized that water is a critical lifeline for Pakistan, and the country would not concede on its rights as per international agreements. India’s move to place the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance comes after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April. The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank, has been a critical international agreement, managing water distribution between India and Pakistan amidst repeated periods of tension, even during armed conflicts. The treaty grants Pakistan the Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab) and India the Eastern Rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej), while also allowing each country limited use of the others’ river systems. India is allocated 20% of the water from the Indus River System, while Pakistan receives 80%.
