Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting its water rights under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), calling the agreement essential for the country’s 240 million people. Oil Prices Markets steady as US-Iran tensions ease and Gulf exports continue The position emerged during an international seminar in Islamabad titled “Indus Waters Treaty: A Key Instrument of Peace and Regional Stability.” The event brought together government officials, legal experts, diplomats and water specialists. Together, they discussed the future of the treaty and regional cooperation. Addressing the seminar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the treaty represents more than a water-sharing agreement. According to him, it remains closely linked to Pakistan’s identity and economic future. He said the Indus River helped shape one of the world’s oldest civilisations. Today, it continues to support millions of people across Pakistan. Moreover, Tarar described agriculture as the backbone of the national economy. Therefore, he said reliable water supplies remain essential. He added that Pakistan has consistently supported peaceful relations, dialogue and implementation of the treaty. However, Tarar accused India of suspending the agreement unilaterally. He said Pakistan remains committed to keeping it operational. Furthermore, he warned that attempts to block Pakistan’s water would trigger a firm response. He argued that using water as a strategic tool threatens regional and global stability. Meanwhile, Indus Waters Commissioner Syed Mehr Ali Shah said the treaty serves as a lifeline because Pakistan’s agriculture and food security depend on it. He explained that the agreement includes a clear dispute-resolution process. In addition, both countries must exchange river flow data. According to Shah, unresolved disputes can move to a neutral expert or international arbitration under Article IX. He also said international rulings had previously clarified that neither country can suspend or terminate the treaty alone. Furthermore, Shah said Pakistan recently requested hydrological data from India. He stressed that timely information remains critical for a lower riparian state. He also raised concerns about reported plans to divert flows from the Chenab River. Therefore, he said Pakistan would protect its allocated share. Climate Change Minister Dr Musadik Malik said the real issue is not water scarcity. Instead, he argued that control over water flows creates the challenge. According to Malik, manipulating water resources effectively turns water into a strategic weapon. He added that irregular releases hurt farmers, disrupt agriculture and create wider regional effects. Moreover, Malik described the 1960 agreement as one of the world’s strongest treaties. He warned that weakening it could damage trust in international commitments. Former federal minister Khurram Dastgir Khan also said Pakistan would defend both its water rights and civilisational heritage. He accused India of violating treaty obligations. In addition, he argued that withholding or releasing water without coordination harms downstream communities. Meanwhile, international law expert Ahmer Bilal Soofi said India’s decision to place the treaty in abeyance has no legal basis. He argued that access to water remains a basic human necessity. Therefore, it should not become linked to political disputes. Similarly, Russian international affairs expert Dr Roxolana Zygon expressed concern over growing tensions. She said cooperation over shared water resources remains essential for long-term peace. She also warned that disputes over upstream infrastructure could increase instability. In conclusion, participants said preserving the Indus Waters Treaty remains vital for regional peace, economic stability and future cooperation. Post navigation £190 Million Case PTI founder and Bushra Bibi move Supreme Court for sentence suspension Karachi Attack Tarar says terrorists should not be labelled as militants
