Pakistan has once again threatened India with war over the Indus Water Treaty. This time, Pakistan’s Information Minister, Ataullah Tarar, addressing a press conference in Islamabad, stated that the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan cannot be unilaterally altered or revoked. He asserted that the people of Pakistan have rights to the waters of the Indus River under this “legally” enforceable treaty, and that the treaty remains in force. India suspended the Indus Water Treaty after the Pahalgam attack, a move that has angered Pakistan and prompted repeated threats against India.
Tarar stated that the world has recognized that water security is important for Pakistan and that the country has a right to it. He claimed, “Legally, Pakistan’s stance has received international support, as the Indus Water Treaty cannot be unilaterally revoked, terminated, or altered.” He also said that the Indus Water Treaty clearly established a framework that “exists and is in force.” Tarar threatened India, saying that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir have repeatedly stated that “water is our lifeline, and also our red line.”
The outspoken Pakistani minister said, “Our people have rights to water through a legally enforceable treaty that was ratified by both countries, which is still in force today.” He said that a seminar would be held in Islamabad on Tuesday to raise awareness about Pakistan’s rights under the treaty. He said, “Water and legal experts from around the world will participate in the seminar.” He reiterated that experts have internationally recognized Pakistan’s rights under the Indus Water Treaty. He claimed, “It is a victory for Pakistan in terms of narrative that the entire world is accepting its narrative and stance on the Indus Water Treaty.”
The following are important points related to the Indus Waters Treaty:
The Indus Waters Treaty is a bilateral agreement signed on September 19, 1960, between India and Pakistan for the sharing of the waters of the Indus River system.
The Indus Waters Treaty was brokered by the World Bank. It was signed by then-Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Pakistani President Ayub Khan.
The Indus Waters Treaty granted India full access to the waters of the eastern rivers of the Indus River system: the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
The Indus Waters Treaty granted Pakistan primary rights to the waters of the western rivers of the Indus River system: the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum.
India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty in April 2025 after the Pahalgam terrorist attack. India stated that blood and water cannot flow together.