India’s Water Aggression: A Wake-Up Call for Pakistan

India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) and its subsequent restriction of Chenab River flows—reportedly reducing water discharge into Pakistan by nearly 90 per cent—has crossed a critical red line. This alarming action, taken in the wake of the Pahalgam attack which India hastily blamed on Pakistan, constitutes a gross violation of international law and a dangerous escalation of hostilities. The move has rightly been condemned by Pakistan’s National Assembly, which passed a resolution denouncing India’s behavior as an act of war. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s declaration that the weaponisation of water is unacceptable underscores the national consensus on this issue.
The deliberate withholding of water from a lower riparian state is nothing short of water terrorism. It poses not only a diplomatic challenge but also a humanitarian and economic crisis. The Indus River System Authority (IRSA) has already warned of a 21 per cent water shortage for the upcoming early Kharif season. This could have devastating consequences for Pakistan’s agricultural sector, which is the backbone of its economy and accounts for nearly 93 per cent of the country’s water use. A prolonged water shortfall during sowing months will disrupt food production, hurt rural incomes, slash export revenues, and further undermine national food security.
Though some reports suggest water flows from the Chenab are gradually resuming, this should not obscure the fact that India has violated a treaty that has, despite multiple wars, remained a cornerstone of regional stability since 1960. The potential for future manipulation of river flows remains a serious concern. Moreover, India is actively expanding its capacity to store diverted water—highlighting the need for a swift and strategic response from Pakistan.
While Pakistan has taken the matter to the United Nations Security Council and called on the international community to intervene, past experience suggests limited outcomes. International forums have consistently failed to hold India accountable for its occupation of Kashmir and other violations of international law. Therefore, Pakistan must rely on its own resolve and resources.
This includes urgently upgrading the country’s crumbling water infrastructure and increasing water storage capacity. Investment in water-efficient agricultural technology, such as drip irrigation and modern canal systems, is no longer optional. At the same time, Pakistan must improve its capacity to treat and reuse wastewater—currently a dismal one per cent—turning a neglected liability into an asset.
India’s aggression has made it abundantly clear: Pakistan must act decisively to protect its water rights, reinforce its agricultural backbone, and prevent future acts of water warfare.