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India sets a dangerous precedent by violating the Indus Waters Treaty. PHOTO: REUTERS
ISLAMABAD:
National Assembly Standing Committee on Water Resources Chairman Ahmad Atteeq Anwer urged the international community to take action against what he described as direct violations of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by India.
In an interview, he called on the global community to take note and help ensure compliance with the decades-old water-sharing agreement.
Anwer said Pakistan intends to raise the matter at international forums and take the case through the Permanent Court of Arbitration to seek legal redress under the provisions of the treaty.
He said the committee had conveyed the seriousness of the situation to the international community, highlighting that India is “using water resources as a weapon”.
Highlighting the need for regional peace and economic stability, the president said the international community must put pressure on India to comply with the Indus Waters Treaty.
The IWT, promoted by the World Bank in 1960, governs the use of waters of the Indus River system between the two neighboring countries.
It is widely considered one of the longest-lasting water-sharing agreements in the world, having survived multiple periods of political and military tension.
Anwer emphasized that Pakistan would engage with friendly nations that maintain strong diplomatic ties with India, urging them to play a constructive role in encouraging compliance with the treaty.
“We will reach out to our brother and friendly countries that have good relations with India to help stop IWT violations and support a just resolution,” he said.
He warned that continued disputes over water resources could have serious implications for regional stability, agriculture and economic development.
“Water security is directly linked to food security and economic sustainability. Any unilateral action undermines trust and threatens long-term peace in the region,” he added.
