Key points
- Water inflow at Head Marala on the Chenab River drops to only 10,800 cusecs
- India is preparing to block water at the Kishanganga Dam
- India will have to pay a heavy price for using water as a weapon: Pakistan lawmaker
ISLAMABAD: India has once again engaged in “water terrorism” against Pakistan by starting to block the flow of water towards Pakistan through the Baglihar Dam.
As a result of this Indian action, the flow of water in the Chenab River is continuously decreasing. According to the Irrigation Department, water inflow at Head Marala on the Chenab River was 87,000 cusecs yesterday, which has now dropped to only 10,800 cusecs.
Moreover, according to Indian media, India is preparing to block water at the Kishanganga Dam in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) as the next step, which could lead to a reduction in water flow in the Jhelum River.
Pakistan lawmaker condemns India’s action
Meanwhile, Chair of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environment Sherry Rehman has strongly condemned India’s act of blocking Pakistan’s water through the Baglihar Dam.
“After the exposure of false allegations against Pakistan following the Pahalgam incident, the Modi government has now turned to water aggression,” said Sherry Rehman, who has also served as Pakistan minister for climate change.
“Blocking Pakistan’s water is a serious violation of the Indus Waters Treaty,” she said in categorical terms.
“Due to the stoppage of water from the Baglihar Dam, a dangerously low level of water flow has been recorded in the Chenab River,” said Sherry Rehman.
“According to the Irrigation Department, the flow of water in the Chenab River has dropped from 87,000 cusecs to just 10,800 cusecs,” she noted.
“Major threat to regional peace”
“India’s unannounced stoppage of water is a major threat to regional peace,” warned Sherry Rehman.
“On April 26, India’s sudden release of floodwaters into the Jhelum River was an irresponsible and harmful act,” she stated.
“India’s repeated unilateral actions on rivers are a blatant violation of international laws and agreements,” said Sherry Rehman.
“A heavy price”
“Pakistan must challenge India’s behaviour on international forums,” she emphasised.
“We will not compromise on our national water sovereignty at any cost,” asserted Sherry Rehman.
“India will have to pay a heavy price for using water as a weapon,” she warned.
“Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness — we know how to protect our resources. If India does not restrain itself, it will have to face severe consequences,” concluded Sherry Rehman.
