Islamabad: India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, accusing Pakistan of terrorism after the killing of 26 tourists in the Pahalgam area of occupied Kashmir. The treaty, brokered by the World Bank in 1960, was the guarantor of water sharing between the two countries.
With this decision, the Indian government has closed the Wagah border and ordered Pakistani citizens to leave the country within 48 hours. In addition, the number of diplomatic staff of both countries has also been reduced.
Pakistan has rejected India’s allegations, saying it condemns terrorism and has nothing to do with the incident. Pakistani officials have said that India’s move could escalate tensions in the region and is a violation of the agreement.
The Indus Waters Treaty is an important water-sharing agreement between the two countries, under which India has the right to use the waters of the eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, Ravi) and Pakistan the waters of the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, Chenab).
India’s move could have a negative impact on Pakistan’s agriculture sector and water availability. Experts say that if India tries to stop the water of western rivers, it will be a violation of international law.
Pakistan has called for a meeting of the National Security Committee to discuss the issue and appealed to the international community to take notice of India’s unilateral move.
