Pakistan Says It Will Raise IWT Violations With India
Pakistan on Thursday said it will formally take up the matter with India if any development activity is carried out in violation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), the long-standing water-sharing agreement between the two countries. The statement was made by Pakistan’s Foreign Office amid renewed focus on water-related projects in the region.
Foreign Office Position on River Projects
At a weekly briefing, Pakistan’s Foreign Office said any construction or development activity on rivers governed by the treaty will be closely monitored. Officials stated that if Pakistan believes any Indian project breaches treaty provisions, the issue will first be raised through the established Indus Commission mechanism and, if required, pursued at diplomatic and political levels.
Indus Waters Treaty Remains Binding
Pakistan reiterated that the Indus Waters Treaty, signed in 1960, remains fully valid and binding. The agreement governs the sharing and use of waters from six rivers flowing through India and Pakistan and has continued to operate despite decades of strained relations. Officials stressed that the treaty does not provide for unilateral suspension or abeyance by either side.
Ongoing Technical Engagement
According to Pakistan, communication between the two sides on specific projects is already taking place through the respective Indus Water Commissioners. Pakistan maintains that technical discussions under the treaty framework are the appropriate first step to address any concerns related to upstream development.
Broader Diplomatic Context
The comments come against the backdrop of broader India–Pakistan tensions, including disputes over water management and regional security. Pakistan said it remains committed to resolving treaty-related matters through dialogue and existing mechanisms, while reserving the right to raise concerns at higher diplomatic levels if necessary.
