Political disputes must not affect Indus treaty: experts
• Participants urge Pakistan to continue adhering to accord • Munir Akram calls for active diplomacy, continued use of agreement mechanisms • Rizwan Saeed says treaty faces a ‘crisis of intent’ • Sherry says India can’t unilaterally suspend or reinterpret treaty WASHINGTON: Pakistan should not allow political and security disputes to become a justification for departing from the Indus Waters…
Experts caution against allowing political disputes to undermine the Indus Waters Treaty. During a Washington policy dialogue, participants urged Pakistan to continue adhering to the accord, rejecting India's assertion that the treaty could be suspended until regional violence ends. Munir Akram, a former Pakistan UN ambassador, argued the treaty's provisions should remain intact even amid tensions, suggesting active diplomacy and continued use of agreement mechanisms.
Rizwan Saeed, Pakistan's ambassador to the US, echoed this sentiment, warning that unilateral suspension or reinterpretation of the treaty would be unlawful. Adil Najam, a professor at Boston University, emphasized that the treaty's substance is sound, but implementation issues require attention. He highlighted the need for technical engagement, transparency and data-sharing, especially as climate change exacerbates water stress.
Participants stressed the importance of preserving the treaty's legal and institutional framework, warning against weaponizing water as a political or military tool. Despite the lack of trust between India and Pakistan, legal experts assured that international law and dispute-resolution mechanisms should guide any future actions.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
