ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday stressed that Pakistan will take all appropriate steps to safeguard its due share of water, guaranteed by the Indus Waters Treaty.
The Deputy Prime Minister made the remarks while chairing a high-level meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty in light of India’s move to hold the Treaty in abeyance.
During the meeting the Deputy Prime Minister underscored that India’s unilateral and illegal move to hold the Treaty in abeyance contravened the established norms of inter-state relations, international law, and the Treaty’s own provisions, said a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry.
He stressed that the treaty is critical to regional stability and its sanctity must be preserved. Noting that the waters of the Indus River System remain a lifeline for Pakistan’s 240 million people, he deplored the Indian attempts to weaponise water.
He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to advocate for the full implementation of the Treaty to ensure the protection of its water rights and the well-being of its people.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers for Law and Justice and Water Resources, the Attorney General, senior officials and technical experts.
Following the April 22 incident in the Pahalgam area of Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, closed the main land border crossing with Pakistan, downgraded diplomatic relations, and cancelled visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
In response, Pakistan on Thursday expelled Indian diplomats and military advisers, cancelled visas for Indian citizens—except for Sikh pilgrims—and closed its side of the main land border crossing.
Deputy Prime Minister / Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50, chaired a high-level meeting on the Indus Waters Treaty in the light of India’s move to hold the Treaty in abeyance.
The meeting was attended by the Ministers for Law & Justice and Water… pic.twitter.com/OyNPK0jbHh
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 28, 2025
Islamabad also warned that any attempt by India to stop or divert the Indus River waters would be considered an “act of war”.
The treaty, brokered by the World Bank, had remained intact despite three wars and multiple crises between India and Pakistan. India received exclusive rights to the eastern rivers: Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
Pakistan was granted rights to the western rivers: Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab, though India could use them for non-consumptive purposes like hydropower, navigation, and limited irrigation.
The IWT established the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), a bilateral mechanism to oversee implementation and resolve disputes through technical dialogue.
The Pakistan Foreign Office on Friday said India was in no position to make a unilateral decision on the Indus Waters Treaty which is of critical importance for Pakistan’s water security and economy.
Foreign Office Spokesperson, Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad said the unlawful, unilateral, and irresponsible Indian announcement threatens the very foundations of the entire edifice of interstate cooperation and smooth implementation of the treaties.
