Pakistan has warned that it is fully prepared to respond strongly to any attempt to block or divert its water supply, as tensions over the Indus Waters Treaty continue to rise.
Speaking at an international seminar in Islamabad, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar emphasized that Pakistan remains committed to protecting the treaty and ensuring its implementation under all circumstances. He described the agreement as one of the most important and lasting water-sharing arrangements in the world.
Tarar said that any move to use water as a weapon would threaten not only regional peace but also global stability. He stressed that the Indus River is the lifeline of Pakistan and directly supports the lives of over 240 million people.
According to the minister, water is not just a natural resource for Pakistan but a matter of survival. He highlighted that the country’s agriculture sector, which forms the backbone of the national economy, heavily depends on the uninterrupted flow of Indus waters.
The Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960 between Pakistan and India, has remained a key framework for water distribution despite political tensions over the decades. However, relations between the two countries have become more strained after India placed the treaty in abeyance following a deadly incident in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir in April 2025.
Pakistan rejected India’s accusations regarding the attack and has maintained its stance on peaceful dialogue and respect for international agreements.
Tarar also noted that any amendment or suspension of the treaty cannot be made unilaterally and requires mutual agreement between both nations.
He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s leadership is united on the issue and ready to defend the country’s water rights at every level. The government believes protecting the Indus Waters Treaty is crucial for national security, economic stability, and the future of millions of Pakistanis.
