ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has once again sought an explanation from India over the continuous unusual fluctuations in the flow of the Chenab River and urged that the process of communication and exchange of information under the Indus Waters Treaty between the two countries be immediately restored to avert any potential water crisis in the region.
Addressing a seminar on the legal and constitutional aspects of the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Commissioner for Indus Waters Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Shah said that since April last year, several official letters have been sent to India seeking information to know the reasons for the significant changes in the flow of the Chenab River, but no official response has been received from the Indian authorities so far.
He said that Pakistan has also sent the latest letter to the Indian authorities after the recent unusual situation, as sudden changes in the flow of the river are not just a technical matter but are also directly related to effective water management and national security.
According to the Indus Waters Commissioner, the Indus Waters Treaty signed between the two countries in 1960 is not limited to water sharing only but also has a clear system for regular exchange of information, advance notification of projects, inspections and resolution of differences. He said that this system has been playing an important role in maintaining trust between the two countries for the past several decades.
He said that Pakistan has continuously fulfilled all its obligations under the treaty. Relevant hydrological data was provided, requests for meetings were sent, and joint inspections and details of projects were sought; however, the Indian side has remained silent on these matters, which is creating uncertainty.
Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Shah clarified that timely exchange of information regarding water flow is indispensable for any lower-ranking country. If such data are not available, advance planning of issues like floods, droughts or sudden discharge of water can be affected, the effects of which can reach agriculture, irrigation and the employment of millions of people.
He also stressed that Pakistan does not oppose legally acceptable hydropower projects, but projects that lack transparency, information provision or implementation of the terms of the agreement are a cause for concern. He said that trust and information provision between the two countries are fundamental in all construction activities under the agreement.
During the seminar, he also expressed reservations about some of India’s proposed water projects and said that if multiple projects are taken forward simultaneously while information exchange remains suspended, it may have negative impacts on the basic structure of the agreement.
He stressed that the best solution to the current situation is to convene a meeting of the Indus Water Commission immediately, resume joint inspections and fully restore technical contacts between the two countries so that misunderstandings that have arisen can be resolved in a timely manner.
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar also spoke on the occasion and said that the Indus River system is the basis of life, agriculture and economy for millions of citizens of Pakistan. He said that the Indus Waters Treaty has been an important example of water cooperation in South Asia for decades, and it is the responsibility of both countries to respect it.
He said that Pakistan’s position is clear that international agreements cannot be suspended or changed unilaterally, while water should be used to promote cooperation and trust rather than making it a source of conflict.
According to experts, in view of climate change, increasing water scarcity and the growing need for water in the region, effective communication between the two countries and full implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty have become more important than ever. Pakistan’s position is that transparent exchange of information and adherence to the agreement can guarantee sustainable water cooperation and stability in the region.
