1960 Indus Water Treaty | Impact on Pakistan

The Indus Waters Treaty is a water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan, signed on September 19, 1960, in Karachi. Brokered by the World Bank after nine years of negotiations, it governs the use of the Indus River system and its tributaries, which are crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and other uses in both countries.

The treaty divides the six major rivers of the Indus basin:

• Eastern Rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi): These are allocated to India for unrestricted use.
• Western Rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab): These are allocated to Pakistan for unrestricted use, with some limited exceptions for India.

This allocation means Pakistan receives approximately 80% of the total water flow from the Indus system, while India gets around 20%. Pakistan has the primary right to the Western Rivers, India is allowed limited use for non-consumptive uses such as power generation, navigation, flood protection, and fishing, some agricultural use, as specified in the treaty. The treaty established a Permanent Indus Commission, comprising a commissioner from each country. This commission is mandated to meet regularly to discuss and resolve any issues related to the implementation of the treaty.

Dismissal of Indus Water Treaty

Following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, India, the Indian government announced on April 23, 2025, the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. This move has been met with strong condemnation from Pakistan, which termed it an “act of war.”The Indus Waters Treaty has been considered a relatively successful example of water resource management between two nations with a complex relationship, having survived wars and periods of tension. However, recent events have put its future into question.

Also Read: Pahalgam Massacre: 28 Tourists Killed in Kashmir’s Deadliest Attack in Yearshttps://dhristikon.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=97&action=edit

Impact on Pakistan

Pakistan has reacted strongly to India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Act of “Water Warfare”

Pakistan’s Power Minister Sardar Awais Leghari condemned India’s action as a reckless act of “water warfare” and an illegal move. He asserted Pakistan’s right to every drop of the Indus waters and vowed to defend it legally, politically, and globally.

Rejection of India’s Announcement

Pakistan vehemently rejected India’s announcement to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance.

Act of War Warning

Pakistan stated that any attempt to stop or divert the flow of water allocated to them under the treaty would be considered an “act of war” and would be responded to with “full force across the complete spectrum of national power.”

Suspension of Bilateral Agreements

Pakistan announced it would hold all bilateral agreements with India, including the Simla Agreement, in abeyance.

Closure of Airspace and Trade

Pakistan closed its airspace with immediate effect for all Indian-owned or operated airlines and suspended all trade with India, including transit trade through Pakistan to third countries like Afghanistan.

Reduction of Diplomatic Ties

Pakistan decided to reduce the strength of its High Commission in India and also cancelled the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme for Indian nationals. India’s military attachés in Pakistan were declared persona non grata.

Implications for Pakistan

Water Security Threat

The suspension of the treaty poses significant challenges to Pakistan’s agriculture and overall water security, as the Indus River system is the country’s primary water source. Pakistan receives approximately 80% of the total water flow from these rivers, which is crucial for irrigation, farming, and drinking water, especially in the provinces of Punjab and Sindh, considered its breadbasket.

Economic Instability

Any disruption to the water flow could severely impact Pakistan’s agricultural sector, a major contributor to its national income and the livelihood of a large rural population. Reduced water availability is likely to lead to lower crop yields, food shortages, and economic instability in rural areas.

Worsening Water Crisis

Pakistan is already facing a severe water crisis due to climate change, mismanagement, and depleting reservoirs. Suspending the Indus Waters Treaty is expected to exacerbate this situation, leaving Pakistan with fewer options to manage its water needs.

Pakistan’s Stance on the Treaty

Pakistan has consistently refused India’s previous requests to renegotiate the treaty, citing climate change and implementation challenges. They maintain that the treaty provides a framework for water sharing that must be respected.

Conclusion

The treaty has generally survived periods of conflict between the two nations, with most disputes being settled through its mechanisms. This is the first time India has unilaterally suspended the treaty. Pakistan views on India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty as an aggressive and illegal act with potentially devastating consequences for its water security and economy. They have responded with strong condemnation and retaliatory measures, raising tensions significantly between the two countries.