ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Rizwan Saeed Sheikh has said that Indus Waters Treaty has no provision for unilateral termination or holding it in abeyance.
“India’s approach to the Indus Waters Treaty reflects a pattern of lawlessness,” he said while interacting with various media outlets in Washington on Saturday.
The Indus Waters Treaty, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, is a water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan that allocates the use of the Indus River system.
Under the treaty, Pakistan was granted rights over the three western rivers—Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab—while India retained control over the eastern rivers—Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej.
The treaty is a lifeline for Pakistan, as around 80 per cent of its agricultural activity depends on the Indus River system.
Any disruption to water flow from India poses serious threats to Pakistan’s food security, economic stability, and rural livelihoods.
Pakistani officials have repeatedly warned that India’s interference with the treaty could destabilise the region and trigger a serious water crisis.
The ambassador said the international community will not lend its support to the illegal and inhumane act of using water as a weapon.
He further said Indian leadership’s statements reflect the terrorist mindset of Hindutva ideology.
He went on to add the map of Akhand Bharat in the Indian Parliament reflects a hegemonic mentality and sinister intentions.
The term ‘Akhand Bharat’ refers to a vision promoted by some Hindu nationalist groups in India that imagines a unified subcontinent encompassing present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and other neighbouring regions.
This vision is viewed by neighbouring countries as a direct threat to its sovereignty and regional peace.
“Indian leadership’s use of the ‘Pakistan card’ for domestic needs and stoking nationalism is an extremely dangerous approach,” he warned.
He said India’s role in deteriorating law and order in Balochistan is not secret now.
Sheikh said the United States has played a key role in the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and President Donald Trump is a proponent of peace.
Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said Pakistan appreciates the US President’s efforts towards resolving the Kashmir issue.
He expressed the hope that these efforts will continue and the issue will be resolved as per the established framework.
