LAHORE, Federal Minister for Water Resources Muhammad Moeen Wattoo has said that India has no legal authority to unilaterally withdraw from the Indus Waters Treaty and the India’s actions regarding shared water resources constitute a clear violation of the treaty and pose a serious threat to regional peace.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution through international law and dialogue, while underscoring the need to safeguard national interests and ensure sustainable water security
for future generations.
He was addressing a seminar titled “Indian Imperialism on Pakistan’s Water: Are New War Clouds Lurking, Consequences and Way Forward”, organized by the Institute of International Relations and Media
Research (IIRMR) at a local hotel, on Saturday.
Speaking to a distinguished gathering of scholars, international affairs experts, media representatives, and civil society members, Federal Minister Moeen Watto said that the issue of water is not merely a technical or administrative matter, but one that touches the core of Pakistan’s national sovereignty and survival.
He also paid tribute to the IIRMR for organizing a timely and significant dialogue on an issue that, he said, is deeply linked to the nation’s future and food security.
Highlighting the importance of the Indus Waters Treaty , the minister described it as a historic agreement that ensured equitable distribution of the Indus Basin rivers, forming the backbone of Pakistan’s agrarian economy. He noted that millions of Pakistanis depend on these waters for agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. He expressed grave concern over India’s recent actions, including the formal notice issued in January 2023 seeking to modify the treaty, a move he termed as a clear step toward unilateral withdrawal. He said India’s claims of failed dispute resolution mechanisms were unjustified, pointing out that international legal experts and the World Bank, which supervises the treaty, have confirmed that India cannot unilaterally alter or abandon the agreement.
“India has not only delayed negotiations and arbitration,” he noted, “but has also continued constructing dams on Western rivers such as Kishanganga, Ratle, and Pakal Dul, in violation of the treaty’s provisions, which designate these waters for Pakistan.”
The water resources minister stressed that this pattern of behavior is not just a treaty violation but a threat to peace and water security in South Asia. Referring to India’s recent decisions following the Pahalgam incident, the minister called such unilateral actions “dangerous developments” that could have serious regional repercussions. “Water is not just a natural resource, it is a fundamental human right and a matter of national sovereignty,” he emphasized.“Weaponizing it is tantamount to aggression, and Pakistan views this extremely seriously.”
The minister also warned that India’s expansionist water policy could lead to a humanitarian crisis, increasing poverty and forcing displacement of millions, besides fuelling instability and the risk of conflict.
Outlining Pakistan’s strategy, he said the government is actively engaging with international institutions and friendly countries to raise awareness about India’s violations and their potential consequences. He called on the global community to uphold international treaties and prevent unilateralism.
Domestically, he said, Pakistan must build resilience by investing in modern irrigation systems, conserving water, and diversifying its water resources. “This is a national duty that requires a united effort,” he remarked.
While reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful resolution and adherence to international law, the minister issued a firm warning: “If diplomacy and dialogue fail to protect our rights, Pakistan will not hesitate to take all necessary steps to safeguard its national interests and the welfare of its people.”
Minister Moeen Watto urged collective resolve, unity, and proactive measures to protect Pakistan’s water future. “Our water is our future,” he declared. “And we are fully prepared to defend it.”
The dialogue was also addressed by senior journalists Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Shami and Sohail Warraich, former Irrigation Minister Mohsin Laghari, Indus Water Commission (IWC) Commissioner Asif Baig, former Commissioner Shahraz Memon, and former Director General of Irrigation Muhammad Shafiq. The speakers underscored the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty as a landmark agreement that has helped maintain regional water cooperation for decades. They emphasized the need for sustained diplomatic engagement, institutional preparedness, and technical capacity to respond to emerging challenges posed by India’s recent actions. The panel collectively called for a unified national approach to defend Pakistan’s water rights under international law.
